Today marks the end of what’s considered the Jersey Shore beach season and the end of what’s typically the busiest time of year for shore communities and businesses up and down New Jersey’s coast. So how did some of those businesses fare this summer?
“According to my numbers we’re running just about arm in arm with what I did last year,” said hot dog vendor Brian Shores. “People are still watching their pennies and when they’re watching their pennies they’re buying more economical food.”
On sweltering summer days in Cape May, Shores is armed with plenty of drinks, water ices and of course hot dogs — supplies that have kept his business in demand this season.
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s Brian Tyrrell says the state’s hotel occupancy tax collection — up 7.7 percent through June — along with double-digit growth in shore communities prove the economy is on an upswing.
“There is the sense that there’s less spending per individual. The average guest check is down. This has been a trend that has occurred really rather consistently post recession,” Tyrrell said. “We’ve seen this slow, measured, recovery and I think at this point the tortoise actually has the finish line in sight in terms of the recovery.”
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Adam Puharic, president of the Southern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 400 businesses, says many of those businesses are still struggling in this economy.
“The bottom line for tourism and business here in the Jersey Shore is that, while we have made it through another season, it’s really nothing to write home about,” Puharic said.
In Cape May, The Peter Shields Inn ran a 99 percent occupancy in August.
“Our inn reservations are up by 37 percent over last year and our restaurant business revenue is up 25 percent over last year,” said Peter Shields Inn co-owner Armando Pelaez.
Still, vacationers like the Cioffis say renting a home was the most economical choice for the family of four.
“We’ve actually enjoyed eating in the house and my husband Joe’s been grilling,” Kay Cioffi said.
That’s not the case for the Parillo family. They’ve gone out to dinner almost every night.
“I would say we’ve pulled back in other areas, just so we could have a vacation,” Chris Parillo said.
Along the Washington Street Mall, the enticing aromas from The Fudge Kitchen lure in a steady stream of customers.
“More people and it seems like people are buying more,” said Manager Hank Moller.
Across the street, business at The Toy Shop of Cape May hasn’t changed much since last year.
“We’ve had struggling, we’re trying to get through everything,” said Shift Manager Nick Morency. “We’re doing pretty well. We’re just glad to be able to stay open here another year.”
It’s a sentiment shared by business owners throughout the shore communities along with the hope that next summer season will only get better.
Lauren Wanko reports from Cape May.