Hinsdale Business Owners Get Creative To Lure Customers In Cold, Snow
HINSDALE, Ill. (CBS) -- The mounds of snow and bitter cold are doing no favors to many businesses in west suburban Hinsdale, but the businesses are working hard to bring in customers.
Not everyone is suffering. The King Keyser Ski Shop can't keep up with the demand, but business is off about 15 percent January-to-January at the three restaurants in which Dana Burdi is a partner -- Cine, Nabuki and Il Poggiolo. Burdi said they are being creative in an attempt to keep people coming in, with a "Hinsdale Dining Week" special, offering signature dishes at reduced prices.
Burdi said the restaurants closed the two bitterly cold Mondays this month -- Jan. 6 and Jan. 20 -- but said on other days, some people would arrive at the restaurants on foot, some even towing children in sleds.
Chamber of Commerce President Jan Anderson said foot traffic is down at the local greenhouse, and said its owners are worried about a delayed growing season.
The Chamber is trying to build traffic in other creative ways. Anderson said next month, Hinsdale will host its first Home Show, and that contractors, designers and real estate agents will all be taking part.
Burdi is hoping that Valentine's weekend will be warmer and will prompt people to do something about growing "cabin fever." And Anderson said some are determined.
Clementine's Beauty Salon opened Jan. 6, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. She said people were lined up when it opened despite temperatures as low as 15 below zero.
