Small Biz Weathers the Storm

WHEN WEATHER Delayed shipments and low employee productivity are just a couple of the many challenges small businesses STRIKES! face when bad weather strikes. However, some businesses rejoice when the snow falls and temperatures drop. This graphic dives into the effects weather has on small businesses around the country. The effects of weather The blizzard that hit the Northeast in the days on small businesses this following Christmas kept shoppers out of stores. An estimated $1 billion in holiday retail sales past holiday season was lost during this peak shopping time. The snowstorm shut down roads and canceled flights in New York and created havoc across the Northeast, where traffic from shoppers was 11.2% below expectations for Sunday, December 26. Retailers nationwide experienced 13.9% less traffic than expected in December when the blizzard hit. INDUSTRIES THAT ARE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED WHEN BAD WEATHER STRIKES RETAIL FARMING SHIPPING OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS Estimated cost of Any small business that has employees Though many small Without a doubt, Surprisingly, an retailers are selling farmers take the weather-related estimated 75% of online more than ever, biggest hit out of delay to trucking working outdoors restaurants in the in-store sales are still any small business. companies ranges and exposed to the U.S. report a sales affected when bad When bad weather from $2.2 billion to elements, like drop of at least 10% weather hits and strikes, they are left $3.5 billion annually. construction due to undesirable shoppers feel like helpless as they Bad weather and companies and changes in the staying home or are watch storms destroy roads are a landscapers are weather. Patrons forced to stay home their crops. It's a combination no in a challenging prefer to dine at with four feet of risky business. delivery driver industry, especially home versus snow blocking wants to encounter. those whose working roughing their driveways. conditions are in bad weather. locations like the Northeast or Midwest. Hail was the leading cause of crop damage in 2009, creating $349.6 million in damages. Drought followed with nearly $49.6 million in damage loss. Rainy and Cold Weather Affects Small Businesses One in ten workers feel that their Employee absenteeism is higher on rainy and Nearly one-third of workers say productivity suffers during rainy cold days. 21% of workers in the U.S. admit to they tend to be in a happier mood and cold conditions. calling in sick to avoid facing the elements. when it's sunny or warm outside. SMALL BUSINESSES THAT BOOM AS THE SNOW FALLS When the rain, snow and temperatures are falling, it is easy to associate the weather as a struggle for all businesses, but some thrive on the cold winter weather. SNOW PLOWING ELECTRICIANS SKI RENTALS WINTER CLOTHING HEATING OIL Want a good seasonal Electricians see Winter resorts Demand for snow and 8.5 million households start-up business lot of power outages every family's cold-weather gear in the United States, and are always on the run during idea? During the vacation spot such as snow coats, primarily in the months when snow during the holidays sweaters, hats, snow Northeastern states, fall reaches record winter months. and into the new pants, gloves, and rely on heating oil heights, plowing More electricians year. Owning a ski to stay warm in the scarves, goes up driveways and hire as more rental shop next to during the winter cold winter months, streets is a necessity homeowners report a popular resort months. Cold weather making heating oil in any community. electrical outages. a lucrative industry draws in skiiers apparel stores profit searching for the more than any other for small businesses. best deal, Ski clothing store, resort revenue in especially during 2010 was forecasted the first weeks of to rise more than 6%, snowfall or freezing to $2.72 billion. cold temperatures. WEAR AND TEAR: A year of property damage losses caused by cold weather across the U.S.* *Losses accumulated in fiscal year 2009 (in millions of dollars) Winter Storm: $339.56 million ---- ------- - - - - - - - --- Combined, winter storms, hail and ice created $2,789,310,000 in lost property. Ice: $1,170.96 million Hail: $1,278.79 million THE POTENTIAL FOR DISASTER: What winter weather events are regions known for Hurricane Subzero Temps Winds Icy Conditions Thunderstorm Hail Winter Storm TOP 10 WORST WEATHER CITIES IN THE U.S.: 1. Cleveland, Ohio 2. Boston, Massachusetts 3. New York City, New York 4. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 5. Chicago, Illinois 6. Minneapolis, Minnesota 7. Indianapolis, Indiana 8. Columbus, Ohio 9. Detroit, Michigan 10. Baltimore, Maryland QuickBooks Online intui. SOURCES: SHOPPERTRAK | REUTERS| WELLHAVEN | FARMERS ALMANAC| FORBES | BLUE SKY LOCAL