There are an estimated 500,000 Central and Western New Yorkers who have made a conscious lifestyle decision to spend weekends and/or seasons in their cottages, camps, chalets, country homes or at resorts or rented properties.

Cottage Owners
Within the Central & Western NY markets is a segment of consumers that have been uniquely identified as higher income earners/higher net worth individuals. These “w-o-l-l-ies” as they’re commonly referred to (well off lakeside livers), have made a conscious decision to enjoy quality time in the Finger Lakes and beyond, thus allowing them to enjoy the family qualities of Finger Lakes Living. It is this “economic cream of the crop” who make up the projected 8,000 customers that will attend The Finger Lakes Cottage Living Show, and who, are also coincidentally in need of more products and services than the average homeowner.

Most “w-o-l-l-ies” own two properties, one in a suburban setting of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Elmira or Corning, with another “lake house” in the Finger Lakes region. Some even have a third property in the sunny south to escape the harsh realities of our winters. Finger Lakes Show consumers will be active lifestyle oriented customers who realize that life is truly a journey and not a destination. The primary hobbies among this group are obviously travel and boating, although hiking, health & wellness, the arts, rustics, investing, golf, dining out, entertaining, volunteerism and decorating are also very popular pastimes.

Many w-o-l-l-ies at the upper end of the 45-64 demographic are at the pinnacle of their careers and earning potential or are in semi or full retirement, and/or have assumed the challenge of a new business or consulting service. This emerging and previously undeveloped market has opened the doors for many product and service opportunities in The Finger Lakes Cottage Living Show world.
Additionally, most of these people are now empty nesters or “dinks” as we’ve come to know them (Double-Income-No-Kids), who are downsizing from larger urban homes or condominiums or are converting their “summer only” lakefront properties into four season homes and/or are finally building their chalet, weekend property or dream home at the lake for future generations to enjoy.

Positive cash flow, the pinnacle of personal wealth, multiple properties and little or no debt to service, makes the “weekend warrior” a very attractive consumer to do business with.

Buying Power

By virtue of a vacation property (or two), Finger Lakes Cottage Living Show consumers are in need of more products and services than the “average consumer” to enhance their leisure lifestyle.

One of the key factors in marketing to Finger Lakes Cottage Living Show enthusiasts is to present your “wares” in person, where & when they play!