How are Hampton Beach businesses doing this summer?
HAMPTON, N.H. —
As summer is winding down, Hampton Beach remains crowded, but some business owners in the area say the season is still not as busy as they would like.
Some business owners said August brought a pop in activity, but that came after a slow and rainy start to the summer.
“We usually get some strong springs,” Kristen Statires, the owner of Candy Corner, said. “You want to try to have a strong spring, but it’s just been really bad lately because the weather is so bad. But June and July usually are pretty strong, and it was just off this year. I don’t know why.”
Chantelle Hashem, owner of Big Steve’s Italian Sausage, said she believed people may have spent their money on other things this summer.
“They’re just saying it seems more quiet. A lot of my regulars are like, ‘where’s the people?’ but they also say they like it, so it’s a catch for everyone,” she said. “We like more people. The regulars like it more quiet.”
However, there are some businesses having a good year at the beach this year. Tiki Taxi started last summer and has only grown for its second season.
“Tourism has been down a bit, but our business works on rides, multiple rides and when traffic isn’t bad, we do well and can get around a little quicker,” Owner Brian Sonia said.
The unofficial end of summer on Hampton Beach comes after the seafood festival, which starts on Sept. 11.
