In the New River Valley of Virginia, the end of daylight saving time on November 2 brings an extra hour of sleep for many, but also shifts in consumer habits that ripple through local businesses. For nearly six decades, the U.S. has adjusted clocks twice a year, yet ongoing discussions have emerged about adopting a permanent time setting—either standard or daylight time. The biannual shift influences how people spend their evenings, which in turn affects commerce. n nPie Charoensombutamorn, who runs Next Door Bake Shop, noted that longer daylight hours encourage people to stay out later, increasing foot traffic. She tends to spend more on retail shopping when daylight extends into the evening, though her dinner plans usually begin once it starts getting dark. n nSome individuals, like Sam Parada, an intern with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, find themselves reaching for afternoon coffee more often when days grow shorter, helping them stay productive later. Others, such as retired resident Dorothy Egger, believe extended evening light benefits retail sectors significantly, as shoppers prefer not to navigate stores after dark. She pointed out that those finishing work at 5 p.m. might appreciate additional sunlight for errands or leisure. n nTanner Martin, employed at PK’s and living in Blacksburg, observed that earlier darkness tends to slow down local business activity. Cooler temperatures and dimmer skies reduce the number of people lingering downtown. While the effect isn’t drastic, he acknowledges a noticeable dip in casual outings. Sena Nutekpor, another intern at Chi Alpha, shared that fading light prompts her to head home sooner, reducing spontaneous purchases like coffee or meals. n nAntwain Booth, a community member, said he’s more inclined to be active when daylight lasts longer. However, he expressed a preference for eliminating the time switch altogether, favoring consistency. Chris Linden, owner of The Maroon Door, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that early darkness can affect mood, making people feel more sluggish or down. n nDespite widespread debate, federal legislation to end the practice has stalled. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, over half of U.S. states have introduced or are considering bills related to daylight saving time reform. Currently, only Hawaii and Arizona opt out of the change, maintaining a fixed time year-round. n— news from WSLS
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WATCH: Economic impact of daylight saving time and how it impacts businesses
NEW RIVER VALLEY, Va. – November 2 is the end of daylight saving time this year, and while you may enjoy getting that extra hour of sleep, the time change can impact businesses. n nFor nearly 60 years, the United States has observed daylight saving time. But over the last few years, there has been much talk about making daylight saving time permanent. But how does the time change impact businesses? n n“If the sun comes up sooner, then obviously they are going to get up earlier and they’ll have more time to come out and hang out here with us.” n nPie Charoensombutamorn, Owner Next Door Bake Shop n n“I think when the days get shorter. I think I am more prone to get a coffee in towards the late afternoon so I can get some things done in the evening.” n nSam Parada, Intern Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship n n“I’m retired so it isn’t a big deal to me. I think it is a big deal to somebody that gets off at 5 o’clock. Wouldn’t they rather get off at 5 o’clock and maybe have a couple more hours of daylight. For retail, I think it’s probably huge. People don’t want to be out shopping in the dark.” n nDorothy Egger, Blacksburg Resident n n“I probably spend more money on retail during the daylight. But for restaurants I probably won’t think about dinner until it gets a little darker.” n nPie Charoensombutamorn, Owner Next Door Bake Shop n n“It’s across the board everywhere in town. But for sure I feel like business slows down. Obviously once it starts getting darker earlier it gets colder out. Not a lot of people are going to be waiting around town and stuff like that. But it’s not like a huge impact.” n nTanner Martin, Blacksburg Resident & PK’s Employee n n“If I see it getting darker earlier it’ll kind of be like a prompt to go home sooner. And so I’ll be less likely to be out and about to get a coffee or buy some food. I’ll just like want to go home.” n nSena Nutekpor, Intern Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship n n“Yeah I’m more likely to be more active. Especially when there’s more light in the day. But I kind of wish they would just leave it at one time and just let it go.” n nAntwain Booth, Blacksburg Resident n n“I would like for it to go away. I think mentally people like it with a little more sunshine during the day. People get a little more down when it gets darker earlier.” n nChris Linden, Owner The Maroon Door n nBills to get rid of daylight-saving time have all stalled at the federal level. n nAccording to the national conference of state legislatures. This year, over half of all states considered or are considering legislation related to daylight saving time. But Hawaii and Arizona are currently the only two states that do not observe daylight saving time.