The Great Snowbird Shuffle

If you’ve noticed more NY and NJ license plates crowding Central Florida’s roads as of late, you’re not alone. The great migration south has been happening for years but we’re now seeing a huge influx of New Yorkers and New Jerseyans permanently settling—or at least splitting time—between both regions.

And this is where things get interesting.

Because let’s be honest—the NY/NJ mindset combined with the FL lifestyle? They’re two different beasts entirely. But they needn't be at war with each other!

Below are some learnings both sides can take to speed up and slow down to increase customer loyalty and engagement.

In the Northeast, urgency rules supreme.

Customers want service yesterday, and if your booking system isn’t streamlined, your competitors are already stealing your business. And if you're a cash-only business, it may as well be the death knell to Northeasterners who rarely ever carry cash. Remember, it may seem convenient to you from a business standpoint, but it's a ten times more inconvenient policy to potential customers, so please reconsider this so you can avoid them doing an about-face and immediately walking out the door.

In Florida, relationships are king.

Courtesy, warmth, and a slower, more personalized approach to service makes loyal customers feel valued and heard. But with so many Northern transplants landing in the Tampa Bay area, Orlando, and beyond, the business culture is shifting—and this presents a huge opportunity for small businesses. Not everyone is looking for a new best friend - but simply a service to be met - and that can mean many things to different target audience personas. Remember also that "hon," and "sugar" may be normal in the south, but to a Northerner it may seem off-putting, or even insulting, so be careful in your word choices.

✅ FL-based businesses

It might be time to speed things up. Customers from NY/NJ are used to instant gratification—think mobile booking, same-day delivery, and quick response times. The friendliest service in the world won’t matter if it takes too long - especially if you're a restaurant or hair salon! Don't expect someone to wait for takeout beyond 10-15 minutes and be comfortable with it. Likewise, if you're a salon, remember not every patron has kids, or wants to hear necessarily about your kids, so adapt your conversations strategically based on the individual.

✅ NY/NJ-based businesses

Considering slowing down isn’t a bad thing. What if taking the time to deeply understand your customer base—beyond just the fast transaction—meant leading to higher retention and more brand loyalty? My money is on you quickly reconsidering your customer strategy when that's in play. Sometimes going that extra mile will be the difference in return business, so moving someone out the door too quickly can be a huge strike against you.

Marketing Trend to Watch

Community-driven marketing is dominating 2025. Whether you run a salon, or are a florist, restaurant, bar, landscaper, realtor, architect, spa, resort, wedding planner or boutique hotel, consumers aren’t just looking for a product or service anymore—they want a connection.

🔹 For FL businesses

Focus on efficiency while keeping that legendary hospitality charm. In summary - what this means is fast responses, online convenience, and seamless transactions.  Start to embrace tech and automation - it can help your business be more efficient in the long-run and save time and hassle for time-pressed customers who need to get somewhere... and FAST!

🔹 For NY/NJ businesses

Double down on relationship-building—create VIP loyalty programs, exclusive events, and personal touches that keep customers coming back. And smile. It really isn't gonna kill you and just may make someone's day, imprinting on their memory when they are faced with choosing your business again, or a competitor's.

An Item for Consideration

With so many people making both NY/NJ and FL their home, cross-regional partnerships  could be game-changing. A Hudson Valley winery teaming up with a Tampa wedding planner? A NJ architect collaborating with an Orlando resort? The potential for mutually beneficial business growth is HUGE.

Your Turn!

What’s been your biggest challenge as a small business owner adapting to this shift?

Drop a comment below and let me know what you're seeing!

***

Olympia Lambert is a brand and small business marketing consultant specializing in business growth strategy and target audience messaging, ad campaign strategic planning, concepting and execution.

Contact her today for a FREE 30-minute consultation on how she can help your brand or business with its marketing needs!