Springdale biz 5H Photography adjusts to salvage revenue amid coronavirus outbreak

Businesses large and small have felt the impact of the economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Springdale business 5H Photography is no different. The second of weekend of April, owners Randy and Cynthia Hutchinson were to take portraits of approximately 1,800 boys and girls participating in soccer, baseball and softball through Springdale Youth Center programming.

Those seasons, of course, were canceled. That one cancellation meant between 25% and 30% of 5H Photography’s annual revenue was wiped out.

To try and recoup some of the lost income, Cynthia Hutchinson started printing custom yard signs for upcoming graduates. The products have helped 5H stay operational and relevant as a photography company and also given students, their families and teachers something positive in uncertain times.

“End of year school activities like prom and graduation are being postponed and/or canceled, so kids aren’t getting any recognition for their 13 years of hard work,” said Randy Hutchinson, who’s been a Shelter Insurance agent/owner in Northwest Arkansas for nearly 25 years and is a Springdale school board member. “The personalized signs my wife produces bring a smile to the kids, and the parents and grandparents have bought in also.”

Hutchinson said 5H sold its first personalized yard sign on March 31, and as of April 18 had sold almost 500 units, with bids out to produce another 1,700. Northwest Arkansas orders make up the majority of business, but several orders are from the Fort Smith metro and in central Arkansas. They sell for $25 each and include a heavy-duty yard stake.

Hutchinson said 5H’s sign offerings also include recognition for pre-K, kindergarten, elementary and college graduates. Signs are also being purchased by teachers to support their schools and students as well as by principals and parent-teacher associations for teacher appreciation gifts.

The Hutchinsons started their photo business in 2009, booking assignments for sports, senior photos, portraits and many other occasions.