Not just this year, but every year over the last decade. July has been stomping August, which never used to happen. Why the difference?
Could it be (gasp!) the the events in July actually are doing some good? I'll at least allow the possibility. I've always said, we need some actual statistical analysis of the effects of events on downtown business instead of assuming one thing or the other.
We'll probably still beat last August significantly, so the overall trend is good.
But I'd be so much happier if August was comparable to July, the way it used to be.
The only bright side is, September has gotten better over the same period of time, I think because there are still adults traveling around and my business is attracting more adults. We no longer correlate with school days, indeed sometimes school vacations are a negative indicator. In other words, it isn't the kids being out of school that helps us anymore, but the fact that people are on vacation, kids or no kids.
Which is why it is surprising to feel as though we are getting more locals than visitors in August. Is it because they are starting school so much sooner? Or starting back-to-school sales earlier every year?
I miss the old Augusts.
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3 comments:
Checking my records, it's only been the last five years that August was lower. But it's gotten progressively worse.
In fact, last year, September was busier, which once would have been conceivable. Good for September, I suppose.
I'm mean, "once would have been Inconceivable."
August has always been just slightly under July for us (but, a) we have two entirely different businesses, and b) you've been in business longer than we have). I just think July is prime visitor season, whether it has something to do with events or not (but probably it does, not just downtown, but everywhere). I think come August, the locals are making last ditch efforts to get away before the end of summer, and it affects business.
Good news is, we can all be thankful we have increased business in summer. In towns with no significant tourist traffic, the dog days of summer really are doggy.
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