Is Your Bristol Business Doing Better This Year?

Business owners in Bristol have been reporting higher sales and more visitors this year, according to Explore Bristol organizer Michael Byrnes of Weetamoe Farm.

Find: Explore Bristol website | Add your business to explorebristol.com

In a recent email newsletter, Byrnes wrote that "it appears that the trend of increased business activity is continuing and even intensifying," with many shops also noting "foot traffic and business in general has been better this summer than in the recent past."

Created as a collaborative effort among businesses that cater to both tourism and the local economy, Explore Bristol has also been working to get coverage in regional and national travel publications.

Byrnes explained in his note that the work inside and outside of Bristol seems to be getting good results.

"The increase in business activity is due to a multitude of factors all coming together at the right time," he noted. "It is a combination of individual business owner efforts, greater collaboration internally and externally, and enhanced marketing and promotion."

And while a pick-up in tourism-related business is often seen as a double-edged sword — good for sales, but potentially short-lived — Byrnes explained that higher seasonal traffic can help the whole community.

Citing one local business, Byrnes wrote: "Every additional visitor that this venue brings to town may benefit our local accommodations, restaurants, shops and other services. The ripple effect created, and the interconnected web within which this takes place, is strengthened by this venue's success and the success of other venues and businesses."

And while the group sees tourism as "one of our goals," Byrnes added, "it is a means to the end of improving the quality of life for our community."

Tell Us: Do you run a business in Bristol? Have you seen an increase in sales at your place? 

Let us know in the comments section below.