Business owners in Mackinaw City say they are either seeing an increase in business this season or at least doing as well as last year, and note better weather and visitors willing to vacation despite the bad economy are contributing to the business climate.

“We are busier than we've ever been,” said Barry Dean, co-owner of the Deer Head Inn. This year, business at the bed and breakfast has improved, with customers staying up to six nights, compared to the standard two to three nights. Mr. Dean believes the reason for the increase is customers may be traveling a shorter distance to reach Mackinaw City and staying longer.

For the Econo Lodge at the Bridge, co-owned by Dave and Dawn Edwards, customers appear to be staying shorter times. Business has improved, despite that, as more people stay at their business.

“I think people have been sitting around the kitchen table for a couple of years, wondering when the economy is going to break loose, and they've decided to take chances,” Mr. Edwards said.

More people appear to be visiting the Mackinaw Crossings mall, assistant manager Sarah Grant told The St. Ignace News, and she is happy with how the season has gone so far, and noted one indicator of increased traffic is an increase in the use of toilet paper.

Business owner Enzo Lieghio said business has been great across all of his family-owned businesses, the Dixie Saloon in particular. Mr. Lieghio attributes the saloon's increase in business to his advertising strategy.

Business Has Improved,

But Visitors Spending Frugally

“We're generating more dollars, there's no doubt about that,” said Candy Corner owner Jeff Hingston. Even though business has increased compared to last season, he noted, individual customers are being more thrifty than in the past.

Rather than spending an average of $35 or $45, Mr. Hingston said, many customers are spending $15 or $20. While they're spending less, more customers are visiting his store, leading to stronger profits this year.

Robert Heilman, owner of the Fort Fudge Shop, agrees. Business at the shop has been stable, but souvenir sales have decreased. Customers are not buying in the quantities that they have in the past, he said, for example, buying one shirt instead of two.

Customers appear to be purchasing less expensive goods at the Mackinaw Crossings stores, Mrs. Grant said, and people are not buying as many souvenir items this season. On the other hand, restaurants in the mall are performing better than they have in the past.

Lisbet Bryan, owner of Mackinaw Kites and Toys, says business has been stable this year but she has noticed customers are using their credit and debit cards more often than cash. Several customers have explained that using cards helps them track exactly how much they are spending, she said.

Some restaurants are seeing customers economizing as they place their orders. Some patrons are ordering food and then splitting it among themselves to save money, Darrow's Family Restaurant owner Randy Darrow noted. Other customers are ordering water rather than spending money on beverages, or are asking for hot water and bringing their own tea bags.

Robert Glenn, owner of the Mackinaw City Embers Restaurant, Motel, and Pub, said he has also noticed customers ordering water over other beverages, but attributes it to visitors pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Customers at his establishment are not buying as many gifts, either, he said, although the season has been good overall.

Dean Scheerens, owner of Mackinaw's Pizza Palace, said many customers are choosing value meals to save money, as well as ordering water in place of other beverages.

“It's not a banner year, but it's nice to see this year after the past few,” he said. Overall, his business has improved compared to last year.

Audie's Restaurant is doing as well as it did last season, manager Katie Kosorski said. More customers are dining in the family room of the restaurant, she added, compared to the Chippewa Room that sells more expensive fare.

Other businesses are seeing a lot of traffic, but they say customers are not buying as often. Holly Emgen, manager of Jim Wehr's Mackinaw Outfitters, said many people are browsing through the store and looking at the aquarium, but are not buying much. Business is somewhat down compared to last year, as a result, she said.

“We had a lot of people, there's no doubt,” said Julius O'Brien, owner of O'Brien's Shirt Shop. Many people have explored the store, but not as many are buying. Business is about the same as it was last year, he said.

“What I noticed is people are looking for deals. If they find a deal, they jump right on it,” said Chris Michalak, owner of Mackinaw Trolley. The summer has been kind to the business, she said, with many customers joining their sunset tours.

Business Owners Attribute

Increase in Activity

To Fine Weather

“I think Mother Nature was the best help we've had this year,” said Nancy Hinsman, owner of Rainbow Motel. Though she expected business to be down considering the economy, it remained stable this season.

Mrs. Michalak agrees the fair weather this season has benefited the village.

“There's a big difference in weather this year to last year, and of course that makes a big difference,” she said. On days that would normally be slow, visitors are taking advantage of the nice days and are going on tours.

Other businesses, from restaurants to candy stores, have also noted the positive impact of this summer's pleasant weather.

Last year, the combination of unpleasant weather and the economy made things more challenging, Mrs. Grant noted.

“We've had a good season so far,” Mr. Darrow said. “With the weather, we had a lot of people, so business is up.”