Snow gives boost to some Ballard businesses

Ballard merchants teamed up for a “Shop Local/Think Local” campaign, and we here at My Ballard launched a “Buy in Ballard” campaign…

But for some Ballard businesses over the last few days, perhaps the best “buy local” campaign of all was the work of Mother Nature. Despite the snow, most shops were able to open with skeleton staffs. As snow days turned into a snow week, they tell us that many Ballard residents decided to skip the mall and head to central Ballard to finish up their holiday shopping.

“Neighbors are skiing in, sledding in and bringing their dogs, it’s so fun!” one Collective employee tells us. Across the street at Duque salon+spa+boutique, business is also up. Giovanna, the owner, tells us that the Ballard community has always been a great supporter of her business. While people come in from out of state for salon services, “our meat and potatoes is the community.” But not everyone is seeing the uptick in business. Horseshoe, the newest boutique on Ballard Ave., tells us they’re seeing just average days, not the holiday boost they were hoping for. But there’s still time: you have today and tomorrow to finish up your last-minute shopping, and please, buy in Ballard.