How the storm impacted businesses in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Whether on a sled, snowshoes or a pair of skis, many people in Northampton found a way to get around close to two feet of snow.  After a February Nor’Easter blanketed the region.  But, finding a hot cup of coffee was tough.

“So we took our snowshoes off coming down the street and looking into the windows of places and it was shut, shut, no one had been dug out,” said Lindsay Davison of Florence who trekked two miles for a cup of coffee.  She found one at Haymarket Café on Main Street. 

Just like tens of thousands of homeowners in Massachusetts, many business owners woke up to knee deep powder blocking their doorways on Saturday morning.  And snow banks so large, no parking was allowed on the street.  

“My manager text us and said that we were going to be opening around twelve.   I called my brother because my car is under three feet of snow, and he picked me up.  Thank God he has a jeep,” said Northampton hairstylist Kierstyn Bigda. 

But just as fast as she came, she was sent home; during one of the busiest days of the week for salons. 

“Hopefully we’re going to be open tomorrow, I need the money.  And [on Saturdays] its crazy busy, everybody comes in,” said Bigday on Main Street Saturday morning. 

Inspirit Common Owner Barry Goldstein wanted to give the day a chance.  Sales on Saturdays are four times as much as any other day.

“Yeah so this is real hit, we decided to open anyway.  There are a number of folks in town that walk by will stop in, we usually stay until eight on Saturdays, we’ll see,” said Goldstein inside his unique Main Street shop.    

The storm also shut down major shopping centers.  The Holyoke, Riverdale and Hampshire Malls were closed for the day.