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.
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.