Frigid Temps Can't Stop Holiday Deal Hunters
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. (WCCO) - Store owners at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes are hoping for a warmer weekend. Unlike traditional malls, where it's always 70 degrees, customers at these shops occasionally have to venture outside, going door to door.
Liz Schiller is the owner of Juniper, a small boutique that features local designers and artists.
"We do see a decrease in business when the weather is frigid like today," Schiller said.
When the temperature drops, so do the prices at a lot of Arbor Lakes' stores. Discounts and incentives are offered to those willing to spend a little time outside.
The calendar has also worked in Schiller's favor.
"People are from Minnesota: they know what the weather's like, they know what to expect - especially now when there's only … 19 shopping days left till Christmas," she said.
Jennie Zafft, marketing director of the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, says she believes they offer another advantage – prime-time parking.
"With the layout of our property and the way our buildings are set up, if you know what store you want to go to, you can just grab that parking field and scoot right over," Zafft said.
Arbor Lakes also does a lot to try and build up the holiday feel, with Christmas music and the 60,000 LED lights strung up along the mall.
Business was steady on Friday, and will most likely stay that way this weekend.
