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From January through mid-March, the city was blanketed with more than 108 inches of snow, making 2014-15 the all-time snowiest season for Beantown. As a historic blizzard approached the city on January 26, the NEPC scheduled a closing in advance—for the first time ever.
“The winter weather impacted our business through February and into March in a very negative way,” confirms Travers. “It wasn’t a question that we couldn’t operate, it was just that consumers weren’t going to the stores because they were hunkering down and couldn’t get out. And they were having to spend more money on snow removal and heating and all the things that go along with it. It impacted all the retailers: chain stores, mom and pop stores, fruit stores. Everyone was singing the same tune that business was down.”
More than 25,000 Boston merchants saw an unprecedented 6.2 percent drop in overall spending during the city’s record-breaking blizzards, according to a study by First Data. Luckily for everyone involved, it was a temporary problem. “Then when May hit, business picked right back up, and we were off and running again—so that was good,” adds Travers.
Staying Strong
Despite the various challenges they face on a daily or annual basis, vendors on Boston’s markets remain optimistic about the future. “I think we’ll always be here,” says Travers. “There’s always a need.” And even though some big box stores and retailers buy from their own suppliers, he says the independent stores and foodservice businesses continue to rely heavily on wholesalers.
Sharrino puts it this way: “I think the future looks good.”
Image: ©iStock.com/DenisTangneyJr
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