Business World

A blizzard paralyzed the region Saturday, putting a serious dent in a weekend that was supposed to be filled with holiday events and lots of shopping.

The storm started dumping snow quickly after 10 p.m. Friday, just as the last of the last-minute shoppers left supermarkets, malls and shopping centers across the region.

Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie was nearly impenetrable as shoppers rushed in to the many shopping centers along the road to buy what they needed for a weekend stuck in the house. The usual toilet paper, bread and milk shared space in the car with Christmas tree and greens bought at the highway’s many tree lots.

By Saturday morning, most people were staying off the road and the cancellations kept pouring in. So far, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular, a musical review known for its dancing Santas, was still on. The BSO’s Web site said it wasn’t making a decision until 11 a.m. on whether to cancel Saturday’s shows personal loan for poor credit. The Ravens didn’t wait long to make a change, announcing Friday the football game had been moved from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

But many retailers weren't about to change their plans despite the storm. This is the busiest weekend of the year for the Sound Garden in Fells Point. The music store was open early Saturday and already had customers milling about its aisles before 10 a.m.

Manager Alex Ashkenes send customers an e-mail telling them the parking lots was plowed and Thames Street was clear. He encouraged shoppers to support local independent businesses.

Reached by phone, Ashkenes was optimistic about the day. He would remain open as long as the weather didn't get too treacherous.

"There are people walking about in Fells Point," he said. "I expect the other stores to open."

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