Oregon Public Broadcasting

The snow and ice are coming at a bad time for Northwest retailers.

Much of the Northwest has been socked with wintry weather for more than a week now, with just a few days left until Christmas.

Despite the weather, business was brisk at many specialty shops in downtown Salem Monday.  

Outside of one gift shop, Solveig Holmquist said the snow didn’t bother her.  She said she normally shops this close to Christmas and wasn’t going to let the weather change her plans.

Solveig Holmquist: “I don’t ever start until about now, because this is when I get in the mood and so I look forward to a couple of really intense days to get it all done.  It annoys be to do that much before then.”

The weather is more serious for people trying to make it home to see family members for the holidays. Thousands of travelers are in limbo as they wait for plane, bus and train service to resume.