Haywood County business owners hope ski season brings back customers

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – Store owners in Haywood County said business has been non-existent, or slow, since Helene hit, but now there’s a way to help even if you can’t make it into the mountains.

At Skis & Tees in Maggie Valley, customers calling is a welcome change.

“We had weeks without anybody coming in. The governor, government, said we were closed. Cherokee closed, Maggie, Waynesville, and actually, the townspeople came together and cleaned up quickly. And all the businesses were open,” said Sue Heise. “It was tough. I mean, tough for all of us, especially here at Market Square. We were up and ready, three days later.”

The once busy shopping area has recently only seen a customer every once in a while.

Now Visit Haywood and the Haywood Advancement Foundation are stepping in to help. They’re changing a saying into a way to save family-owned businesses. They’re selling ornaments, hats, stickers, and 100% of proceeds from sales go to small businesses through a grant program. People are able to buy the merchandise either at the Haywood County Welcome Center, or online.

“Helene really hit western North Carolina way more than I think anybody could even understand. And it shut most of us down for our busiest month of the year. So our small businesses are just like crying for people to come and shop local,”Executive Director of Visit Haywood, Corrina Ruffieux said.

Ruffieux said that cooler temperatures mean that skiing season is ahead, and it could bring a needed boost to business.

“Winter sports is definitely a huge part of the reason that people enjoy coming to Haywood County. Maggie Valley in particular. We have cattle ski area up at the top of the mountain, and they are making snow as we speak,” said Ruffieux.“ You know, mom, dad or the kids might ski and then mom, dad or the kid that doesn’t ski gets to go out and shop, dine and enjoy everything else that there is to do in Haywood County.”

The open signs are now on, and with the snow starting, store owners say that they’re ready for a busy season.

“All businesses, restaurants, shops. We’re looking forward to everyone coming back to this area,” Heise said.

The Cataloochee Ski Area opens on Saturday, November 23, 2024. CLICK HERE for more information.

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