Weather or Not When Business Varies by Season BY KATHY BRADSHAW
It’s very common for companies to experience fluctuations in business and revenue, busy times and slow times – and this can often be based on the seasons or weather. For instance, retail businesses can experience as much as a 15% increase in sales the month of December and then fall to 30% below average after the holidays. And certain vacation resorts may be so slow in the cooler months that they decide it’s not profitable to even stay open beyond their bustling summer season. According to the Chattanooga Tourism Co., some 3 million tourists come to the Scenic City every year, spending up to $1.16 billion annually. But tourists can be fair-weather friends – nearly 90% of visitors come to Chattanooga outside of the winter months. This means that, depending on their industry, many businesses are bound to experience a lull of varying degrees at certain times of the year. And for those companies that
want to stay open and operable year-round, keeping things going during the slower season can sometimes require some resourceful or creative business decisions. We talked to several local companies that experience a slow-down when summer vacation ends, visitors seek warmer climates, and less tourists come, and they told us how they get through the off-season.
Danielle Landrum Owner, Locals Only Gifts & Goods
Tim Andrews President, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM)
Hugh Morrow President & CEO, Ruby Falls
Susan Harris President & CEO, See Rock City, Inc.
Hope Maum Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Experience Chattanooga
Ryan Maum Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Experience Chattanooga
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Photo Courtesy of Experience Chattanooga