Flagstaff businesses welcome snowstorm’s boost in visitors and sales

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — With about a month of winter remaining, a fresh blanket of snow is translating into opportunity for business owners in Flagstaff.

RELATED: Classes canceled, train horns malfunctioning due to winter weather in Flagstaff. Here’s how much snow to expect.

Wednesday marked the first time this year that many downtown merchants had to shovel snow from their storefronts. While the storm prompted closures, including local schools and Arizona Snowbowl, several business owners said the snowfall is a welcome sight.

Anette Avery, owner of Brightside Bookshop in downtown Flagstaff, said winter storms typically draw visitors from across Arizona, especially from the Phoenix area, boosting foot traffic and sales.

Although her store was closed Wednesday because of out-of-state deliveries, Avery said she enjoys the sense of community that comes with snowfall, as neighbors help one another clear sidewalks and navigate icy conditions.

Snow covered much of the city Wednesday afternoon, including Wheeler Park, where the sun briefly appeared before clouds moved back in.

Forecasters expect another round of snow over the next couple of days, which could bring more visitors north for a winter weekend.

As of Wednesday evening, officials had not announced whether schools would reopen Thursday. There was also no immediate word on when Arizona Snowbowl would resume operations.

For many downtown businesses, the first major snowfall since the beginning of the year is more than scenic, it signals a potential boost during the final stretch of the winter season.

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