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Holidays A Very Busy Time For Valley Businesses

Coachella Valley business owners love what they see — heavy foot traffic.

Snowbirds and tourists are packing hotels, restaurants and shops.

“We come down mostly to relax and eat some good food,” said John Friesen, a Canadian visitor spending a couple of weeks in Palm Springs with his wife.

The Coachella Valley is definitely a hot spot this year for those looking for some R&R during the holidays. And many shops have seen their sales soar since Christmas.

“I’ve had lines going through the store. I had to call in some extra help,” said Howard Tillman, a manager at Desert Hatter in Palm Springs.

The Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority says many valley businesses are reporting numbers six to 10 percent better than last year.

“I think people are in a positive mood. And the weather helps. When you’re from Canada or the midwest — you get here it’s 75 degrees — you feel good about things. People are going to tan, they’re enjoying themselves and hopefully they’ll spend a little more,” said CVA President Scott White.

Business owners say it’s been a hectic week, but it’s a great tune-up for the busy season.

“On one hand you wish this week would go on and on forever. But come New Year’s Eve we’re all going to be going ‘thank God it’s over,'” said restaurant owner Mindy Reed. “Then we’ve got three days and the film festival starts. It’ll be great every day. Season’s here — we’re happy.”

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