Making Fun Out of Foul Weather

December 8, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on December 9, 2008

As a major snow storm approached the Upper Midwest this weekend, furniture retailers in the area were getting ready for slower-than-usual traffic. The owners of Henry Simon Fine American Furniture in Madison, Wis., decided to make lemonade out of lemons by using the downtime for some morale boosting and fun.

They decided to give the staff a holiday break and let everyone go skiing.
Shoppers who did brave the storm to shop for furniture found this sign on Henry Simon's door Tuesday: "If you're crazy enough to be out in this weather, please join us at Tyrol Basin for a ski day—WE'RE CLOSED."

Tyrol Basin is a ski area less than 20 miles west of Madison.

"The weather has given us all an opportunity to spend a little extra quality time with family, friends, and customers too," said Sam Boeke, who owns the store with Dean Guerdet. "Isn't that truly what the holiday spirit is all about?"

"Not everyone can afford to go on the big ski vacation in the Rockies this year, but Madison has endless opportunities and is a wonderful place to live and work, and for that we are thankful," Guerdet added.