Overall, it’s been a profitable summer for businesses in Greenbank.

Most are doing well, but there are exceptions, apparently depending on location.

The village centerpiece is Greenbank Farm with its signature red barns, bucolic pond, alpaca herd, well-tended gardens and trails into the upland woods.

Karen Ambrose, one of four owners of I Remember When Antiques, said their business is down by 20 percent over last year. And she thinks she knows why. Every day, the ladies put out a small locator sign on the highway but they’d like the management group to do more.

“Most of us would like to see better signage on the highway, alerting drivers that there’s more to the farm than pies,” she said.

“They get out, look around, eat and then leave,” Ambrose said.

Next door at the co-op Artworks Gallery, Lyla Lillis agreed.

“We’re down as well. Maybe it’s the price of gas or the rainy spring, but I’m aware of some visitors not realizing we’re tucked away down here,” Lillis said. “A clear sign by the barn sending folks our way would be huge.”

Moving closer to the main facility, Ashley Kennedy of Two Tacky Ladies said business was up slightly from last summer.

“We sell horse-related supplies like saddles, spurs, clothing and artwork,” she noted. “This is kind of a tough spot for specialty shops, but as more locals become aware of our presence, business improves.”

At the Cheese Shop, Erin Stonefelt was very pleased.

“June was way up for us, July even better with lots of traffic from the Loganberry Festival,” she said.

She’s a believer in advertising but admits word-of-mouth has improved local awareness.

“At first we sold 80 percent to visitors, but it’s closer to 50-50 now as locals get the word on our variety and prices,” Stonefelt said.

Both the Wine Shop and Whidbey Pies Café are thriving.

“The smaller wineries we buy from have told me their sales to us are up 2 to 3 percent from a year ago,” said manager Laurel Davis. “I think it’s the responsibility of everyone to promote all the businesses here all the time. That’s what I do.”

You’d think that with all the loganberry pies sold at the festival last weekend, Jan Gunn would be rolling in dough.

“Yes, our gross sales are up 50 percent, but so are expenses,” Gunn reported. “We’re doing well, employ 18 people and plan a once-a-week dinner this fall.” Echoing others at the farm, Gunn believes the benefits are more than monetary. “It’s a great feeling to be involved in sustaining the farm’s purpose.”

As overseer of the markets at the farm — crafts, farmers, art and flea — Issy Olivia said income is $4,500 over last year.

“Our small business owners, mostly from Whidbey, are doing very well,” she said. “When vendors sell at the farm, their sales go up.”

Tom and Mary Coupe can be found at their iconic Greenbank Store pretty much every day, 24/7.

“Business is up, about 10 percent I’d say. When the weather’s good Thursday to Sunday, I love it,” Tom Coupe said. “I know we can’t compete with big guys like Payless, but every time someone spends a dollar or two with me, it helps.”

We’re different and we’re special. Ask anyone,” he said.

Though he’s been in business five years, Top Notch Roofing and Gutter owner Jeremy Souza wanted a chance to show customers samples of his roofs and seamless gutters, which he makes himself.

Two months ago he moved into a small building on the highway next to the Greenbank Store.

“It seems to be working out great so far,” Souza said. “There’s a lot of traffic from the service station and being close to Loganberry Hill Realty doesn’t hurt.”