For some Businesses, Arctic Blast Leads to Sales Spike

A trip to Video Universe in Robbinsdale can bring up a few memories. 

“We have everything in every variety, every category,” says Troy Rachey, who has worked at Video Universe for 22 years. “It’s fun seeing people come in and say ‘I haven’t seen this since I was a kid’ and a light goes off in their eyes.”

What better time to watch movies than when temperatures plummet? Rachey says when temperatures are forecasted to be low, they can expect a boost in video sales.

“People know stuff is coming, so they try to beat the rush and beat the bad weather,” says Rachey. 

Ever-popular rentals include “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” movies.

The subzero temperatures don’t necessarily mean a spike in business at nearby Broadway Pizza, but it can mean a change in business. Owner Brad Eagles says instead of coming to eat at the restaurant, people will order delivery. 

“Our deliveries go way up. The business pattern changes so instead of people coming in, they order take out because they don’t want to get out in the cold,” says Eagles. “With the weather being like it is, icy conditions slow us down too so we ask customers to just be patient and we’ll get it to you.”

Eagles says the holidays usually mean an increase in business. With the added subzero weather, sometimes orders are already backed up when workers open the door for the day.