Business Heats up as Temperatures Soar

By Adrianna Weingold

CREATED Jul. 10, 2012

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  • Sizzling temperatures can be a drag for some businesses. Streets are practically empty. Many shops are closed for the season. Others staying open, and sales are staying steady despite the summer exodus. Video by kmir6.com

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COACHELLA VALLEY--Sizzling temperatures can be a drag for some businesses. Streets are practically empty. Many shops are closed for the season. Others staying open, and sales are staying steady despite the summer exodus.

 
"People don't walk. It's destination shopping. They pull up out front and they come in and we're here for them but they're not strolling the streets. No," Velma Otterman, owner of Cactus Flower Shoes said.
 
For General Heating and Air Conditioning, the heat turns up revenue. Calls are up 60 percent as temperatures continue to climb higher.
 
"Extremely busy. Phones never stop ringing. Tons of calls coming. Lots of requests for air conditioners not working," said Patrick Somers, General Manager of General Heating and Air Conditioning.  
 
Record heat back east caused a US Airways plane to sink into the tarmac, but despite temperatures over 115 in Palm Springs, officials say the Palm Springs Airport is built for the heat.
 
"Keep in mind 110 degrees out east is an anomaly, here it's the norm during the summer, so we build airports and homes for the desert climate," Thomas Nolan, Executive Director of the Palm Springs International Airport, said.
 
But there's only so much preparation for heat like this--many people choosing to simply avoid it all together
 
"We come to the mall because it's a place where the kids can cool down, play, interact with other children and there's not many places in Palm Springs where the kids can go," resident Leanne Westerman said. 
 
Good news for shops continuing to make money as the mercury climbs.
 
--Adrianna Weingold
aweingold@kmir6.com