Downtown Lodi shops affected by temperature
It’s been a hot week in Lodi, with temperatures on Thursday reaching 108 degrees according to the Bank of Stockton’s digital sign in Downtown.
It was too hot for the Farmers Market — the event was called off due to the sweltering heat — but how are the brick and mortar shops faring?
Secondhand Rose Vintage Decor’s manager, Amanda Heuer, said that fewer people have been visiting the store this past week, although she’s been using the time to update the store’s website and social media presence. She also turned off most of the lights in the store to save energy, and possibly keep it a few degrees cooler. Her neighbor store, Country Living, opted to shut down on Thursday, with a handwritten sign explaining that they will reopen today at 11 a.m.
Sheri’s Sunshine Nutrition has been selling larger quantities of bottled water and ice, according to employee Jonathon Juarez, manager Alice Regalia added that the store has seen an increase in businesses early in the morning, selling more electrolyte supplements to combat dehydration, as well as vitamin B12-infused honey for energy and kombucha beverages.
Serina Farris, a wine pourer at the Cellar Door tasting Room, reported no noticeable change in business over the past few days, although she did add that their air conditioning unit had some problems.
The Lodi Junction thrift store has also had the same steady flow of customers, according to store supervisor Joe Davis, although more customers have been coming in during the morning and evening.
The School Street Gallery, despite posting a sign that reads “Cool Inside,” still has the majority of its business in the evening, although artist Bill Poulson reports that this is normal for the art gallery, adding that the store will be open until 8 p.m. today.
Scotto’s Wine and Ciders reported an increase in customers on Wednesday, which bartender Janice Lucas attributes to people wanting a cold glass of hard cider to beat the heat, although yesterday was a slow day. Taylor Kininmonth, owner and operator of Sip Shuttle, has taken advantage of the heat to encourage people to buy tickets for her winery tour business, making the most of the unfriendly weather.
Thornton House Furniture’s President Al Nunes said that his store has served the majority of its customers in the mornings, advising people not to go outside during midday and afternoon hours as much as possible.