Winter storm throws retailers a knuckleball during holiday shopping season

With the arrival of seasonal weather, it's starting to feel more like Christmas. Although the severe winter storm last week caused problems for businesses that depend on holiday shoppers, Nathan Sanderson, executive director at South Dakota Retailers Association, predicts a long week ahead for retailers. Sanderson stated that businesses are still recovering from the damage caused by the storms of the past few days. That is going to lead to a crash here in the last week. Sanderson stated that DOT listed every highway in South Dakota and every major road as impassible or not recommended for travel for a 24-hour period. Many businesses and restaurants were closed as a result. It doesn't make economic sense to keep businesses open if you don't have employees who can come to work. Somer Kingsbury, owner of the business, said that no retailer would want to close their doors at this time of year. Kingsbury stated that closing a business, particularly during the fourth quarter, can have a significant impact on your business. Many people will stay at home and think about the things that they haven’t done, or be worried about whether they will be able get out. Perhaps you are feeling a bit panicky. "Kingsbury" asks customers to consider the dollar value when shopping at a small local business as compared to a large retailer.