Bradley Airport is reporting a six to seven percent drop-off in travelers. Perhaps that is why there's been a drop-off in businesses nearby too.
A woman who answered the phone at the Windsor Locks Chamber of Commerce says her phone doesn't ring as much as it used to with travelers looking to spend time and money.
And, there is a growing number of empty store fronts along Ella Grasso Turnpike (Rte 75). In the past year or so, Quiznos has closed, as has a gentleman's clothing store and a hardware store.
The reason for all the closures depends upon whom you ask. Candy Motuzik has lived in Windsor Locks her whole life and she believes people are just being careful and not going out and spending the extras.
But David Pfiffner, the owner of a local deli that is still doing well, says many of the businesses closing up were just overextended to begin with. "These times are tough for businesses that were on the ropes, didn't have a cash reserve and were going to go out no matter what."
And, Pfiffner says, while consumers in Windsor Locks and elsewhere may be cutting back, it still seems they'd rather go cold than hungry. "I've seen unemployed people spend $20-$50 on a meal instead of paying their rent. Americans love their pizza. I don't think we're going anywhere."
