By February, however, the country entered into a COVID-19 induced recession. Then, to slow the spread of the pandemic, on April 3, the Governor of Florida locked the state down. This brought the SWFL area's $22.5 billion retail economy to a standstill.
As stores, restaurants, and offices in the Fort Myers-Naples area begin to re-open, consumers' appetite for spending is returning. According to Nielsen, loyal radio listeners are very likely to be first in line at the cash registers.
In a typical year, SWFL consumers will spend more than $19 billion at car dealerships and auto part dealers. That spending, too, has stalled. The latest Nielsen study identifies loyal radio listeners as being 38% more likely to buy or lease a vehicle within 12 months of restrictions easing.
For almost every Florida small business category, loyal radio listeners will be the first to return as pandemic imposed restrictions are eased.
To claim a share of the post Coronavirus spending, will require local small business owners to advertise. Based on Nielsen's consumer study result, advertising on Fort Myers radio is the best option.