Snowbirds Depart Brings Seasonal Shift for Oro Valley Businesses

While some stores see loyal customers stay connected, others feel the impact of seasonal visitors leaving for the summer.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:52am

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As snowbirds begin departing Southern Arizona, some Oro Valley businesses are already experiencing a seasonal shift in customer traffic and sales. While home furnishing store Nest in the Desert maintains connections with its loyal winter visitors, other businesses like Swan Pilates see attendance dip as seasonal clients head home for the summer. However, the relationships built with snowbird customers provide confidence that they will return.

Why it matters

Snowbirds, particularly Canadian visitors, contribute over $1 billion to Arizona's economy each year. The seasonal influx and departure of these winter residents has a significant impact on businesses in tourist-heavy areas like Oro Valley.

The details

At Nest in the Desert, a home furnishing store, manager Rebecca Black says many of their winter visitors remain loyal customers even after heading back home, continuing to call and ask about new products. The store's unique, hand-picked inventory helps keep customers coming back. In contrast, Swan Pilates owner Susan Swan says her business built on relationships with seasonal clients sees attendance dip as those clients leave for the summer, though she is confident they will return.

  • As snowbirds begin leaving Southern Arizona in the spring.
  • Many snowbird customers return to their home states for the summer months.

The players

Nest in the Desert

A home furnishing store in Oro Valley, Arizona that caters to both year-round and seasonal customers.

Rebecca Black

The manager of Nest in the Desert home furnishing store.

Swan Pilates

A Pilates studio in Oro Valley, Arizona that has a significant seasonal client base.

Susan Swan

The owner of Swan Pilates studio in Oro Valley.

Canada Arizona Business Council

An organization that estimates Canadian visitors contribute over $1 billion to Arizona's economy each year.

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What they’re saying

“Our customers are everything to us, they're our first priority and we have so much gratitude to them, and we couldn't be here without them.”

— Rebecca Black, Manager, Nest in the Desert

“We have loyal customers, and we're loyal to our customers. So even when they're out of state, they're calling and asking us questions: 'What's new? I saw this online.'”

— Rebecca Black, Manager, Nest in the Desert

The takeaway

The seasonal departure of snowbirds has a significant impact on businesses in tourist-heavy areas like Oro Valley, Arizona. While some stores are able to maintain connections with their loyal winter visitors, others see a noticeable dip in customer traffic and sales during the summer months. However, the relationships built with these seasonal customers provide confidence that they will return when the weather cools.