Businesses in Shanklin Old Village, which felt the knock-on effect of the Leeson Road closure, say they are "relieved" it has reopened, as it means trade can finally return to normal.
However, they have rued the impact "misleading" signage had on them and feel it could have been avoided.
The landslide, near Bonchurch, on December 10 last year, led to the closure of the main Ventnor to Shanklin route.
The road — to the joy of Ventnor residents — reopened to a fanfare on Tuesday last week (July 16).
As the Isle of Wight Council shut Leeson Road, it also effectively closed off the route the other end, at the top of Shanklin High Street.
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When it closed, Old Village business owners almost immediately felt isolated — angry the council and Island Roads had placed road signs simply saying 'road closed', with nothing to inform they were open as usual.
It became almost like a ghost town, with very few cars passing through and starved of any passing trade.
Businesses complained the closure sign should have been erected further up towards Cowleaze Hill.
After some intense lobbying by local businesses, Island Roads eventually placed new signage at the top of the High Street to address their grievances.
Michelle Suggett, who has run Crafty Days arts and crafts shop, just off Church Road in the Old Village, the past 12 years, said business "literally died" when the road closed, but "things are now looking up" with more people about.
Her comments were echoed by shop assistant Caitlin Caldwell, of neighbouring JOCKlish, which sells local handmade goods.
"Since the road reopened, things have got better and I hope for it to be very busy from now on", she said.
"Another good thing is that as I travel by bus, I have a more direct route home now."
Lyn Thomson, who works at iconic thatched gift shop and cafe, Pencil Cottage, said the road closure saw slower business.
"There is more traffic and more people around now", Lyn said.
"It feels like the Old Village is getting back to normal."
Cavanagh & Baker, which sells Isle of Wight produce and gifts, certainly felt the effects of the closure.
Manager, Claire Hunt, said: "The sign should have said it was business as usual from day one. It has hit small businesses and was the last thing we needed.
"But the reopening of the route has seen more people on the road, and we have definitely picked up."
Meanwhile, tea rooms in the Old Village managed to remain busy, despite the road closure.
Patricia Whybrow, who owns the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Teashop, said: "Although we remained quite busy during the closure, the signage gave the wrong impression and impacted on everybody's business."
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