Article updated: 1/12/2012 5:06 AM

Snow alert spells relief for some suburban businesses

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Shovels and ice scrapers are fully stocked at Ace Hardware in Elgin. The mild weather has slowed demand for snow removal items.

Rick West | Staff Photographer

Cold weather-dependent businessman Bob Sadler of Glen Ellyn can’t wait for today’s snow to rejuvenate his business, which has ailed due to warm winter weather.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

Skiers and snowboarders take to the slopes at Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle even with the lack of natural snow. But they’re encountering fewer people on the slopes.

Mark Black | Staff Photographer

The mild start to winter has left Ace Hardware in Elgin with plenty of snow removal inventory.

Rick West | Staff Photographer

Customers walk past an array of snowblowers and throwers without a second glance Monday at Ace Hardware in Elgin.

Rick West | Staff Photographer

Snowboarders take to the slopes at the Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle even with the lack of natural snow.

Mark Black | Staff Photographer

Cold weather-dependent businessman Bob Sadler of Glen Ellyn has had his fleet of snow removal equipment ready to go for weeks now.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

Cold weather-dependent businessman Bob Sadler of Glen Ellyn can’t wait to rejuvenate his snow removal business, which has ailed due to warm winter weather. Above, Sadler polishes his plow.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Today's forecast for snow and blizzard-like driving conditions may be a horror to commuters, but it's great for snow-dependent businesses that have been suffering through one of the mildest winters on record. Hardware stores, plowers, ski hills all have suffered. “You have to pray to God that we'll get some snow in April,” one business owner said.