JERSEY SHORE (KYW Newsradio) — As seasonal businesses on the Jersey Shore reopen after COVID-19, their operations and their expectations have dramatically changed compared to 2020.
Despite being mostly closed last season, Max Usman said they brought in new merchandise to his Moon Traders boardwalk shop.
“Whatever was the old stuff we pack them up and I don’t know what we’re gonna do with it, but we try our best to invest more to come back to normal," said Usman.
He explained that in terms of the amount of business coming in, there's no comparison to last year.
“Before it was very bad," he admitted.
"I was just sitting home and that was our peak season. We were not allowed to open the store, but now we’re back to business.”
Assad with the Boardwalk Gift Shop said he’s optimistic this season.
“I hope the business will be better because the governor announced they’re going to open the casinos," he said.
“This year will be better than last year, because continuously everybody is vaccinated almost so we are happy.”
Assad explained that he's not worried about demand. His biggest issue right now is labor.
“People have the money," he said, "but every business has the shortage of employees.”
Abdul Razzaq with Joe Rock Cafe said can't find the workers he usually has on hand.
"I have no choice not to open. I have to pay a lot of rent," Razzaq said. He'll be working the counter himself.
“We cannot find anybody for work. I usually have the people from overseas, the international students. I sponsor 10 people but unfortunately, none of them is coming.“
Another issue with seasonal business is weather, but Reggie with Fralinger’s says sometimes bad weather can work in your favor.
"Sometimes you do a lot of business when the weather is not good, because people aren’t on the beach,“ she said.
Reggie revealed she’s already seeing an upswing in business now.
“Everybody is really happy to be on the boardwalk. We’ve had some really busy weekends and it’s only been May," she said.
“I am really optimistic and I’m glad for all the businesses that are open, because I know a lot of them have closed.“