Businesses in Big Bear prep for booming winter season [Video]

Snow season is officially here, and board shops, gift shops, and other small businesses in Big Bear are preparing for an influx of tourists.

Emily Hotter and her family own two gift shops in the area, Scenic Gifts and Scenic Outfitters.

“Usually, at the beginning of the season, we’re slow on the first couple of days. But this weekend will be a lot busier, which means we’ll have many more customers and definitely a lot more snow as well,” Hotter tells KNX News’ Nataly Tavidian.

John LeRoy, owner of Le Roy’s Board Store, said, “Thanksgiving kind of kicks it off, and then it may slow down that week right after. But by the first, maybe 10 days of December, when the college kids are getting out of school, this place fills up.”

He says they are running full speed by mid-December, and most businesses are ready to accommodate large masses all at …