51 Dry Days In Sacramento Full Of Problems, Opportunity For Businesses

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento's drought has extended into a 51st day without measurable rain, providing a mixed bag of problems and opportunities for businesses.

With rain is in the forecast later on in the week, shops like Land Park Ski & Sports are hoping Mother Nature can bring them some relief in the form of mountain snow.

"When the right conditions come, the customers will come," said employee Eric Suder.

Rental sales have fallen dramatically, but the ski shop's weathered the lack of storms with sales on their boots.

"People are still coming in buying boots, because it doesn't matter if it's warm or cold, you want comfortable boots, or it's time to upgrade your equipment," he said. "The committed skiers are still coming out."

But since most aren't hitting the slopes, they're looking toward spring and summer activities, according to Bowen Dixie at City Bicycle Works.

"Typically in January we are looking for things to do as far as keeping the store dusted and making sure inventory is correct," he said.

But not this year. With the warmer weather, customers have been coming in like it's summer with road bike sales leading the way. Dixie says they're also repairing twice as many bikes as usual.

Fleet Feet is also reporting an uptick from this warm, dry winter.

The lack of rain is also helping Harv's Car Wash in Midtown. With no free washes from Mother Nature, they've had to hire six more people to keep up with demand.

"We did almost 1,000 cars Friday, Saturday and Sunday alone. That is just wonderful," said Alan Cornelius.