By Tim Kelly
On this, the final shopping weekend before Christmas, things were decidedly laid back on Asbury Avenue, Ocean City’s main shopping thoroughfare.
We’re not suggesting things were slow from a business standpoint. What we’re saying is this is Ocean City, and the atmosphere was “chill,” despite the dwindling available time to select and purchase gifts. Nobody seemed rushed, those waiting in lines were patient, and holiday greetings were freely exchanged.
“You can get a lot more done downtown with no hassles,” said Ocean City resident Nancy Caine, who was out with her husband, Tony.
“The only downside, if you want to call it one, is that it’s going to take more time because you’re going to run into people you know and talk to,” Tony Caine said. “And that is a good thing.”
The Caines had a lot of company Friday afternoon. Residents and visitors began hitting the stores in significant numbers in the afternoon, as warmer air and a light fog replaced the morning’s downpours and brief flooding of low-lying streets west of Asbury.
“Weather plays such a big part not just in shopping but whatever is happening around town,” said Cierra Smith, an employee of the B&B department store. “Once the rain stopped (business) has been pretty steady.”
Outside of Rauhauser’s Candies, Sea Isle City resident and Councilman Bill Kehner carried a large bag filled with confections. He said he made the trip north on Ocean Drive specifically for that purpose.
Bill Kehner made the drive from Sea Isle City, where he is a City Councilman, to pick up some fresh homemade candy to give as gifts this Christmas.
“I just wanted to come over here because I needed to pick up some fresh, homemade candy,” he said. “I know that I’m getting a quality product that I feel good about giving as a gift. It’s always a pleasure to come (to Asbury Avenue for holiday shopping).”
For brother and sister Lesley and Anthony Jordan and Lesley’s daughter, Taylor Rodland, the decision to shop on Asbury was a bit more random. The trio, from York, Pa., made a stop in town after traveling to Atlantic City to hear the pipe organ at Boardwalk Hall.
“We’ve been coming to Ocean City in the summer forever, and we decided to pick up some local gift items,” Anthony Jordan said.
They bought several pizzas from Manco and Manco and gift boxes of Shriver’s salt water taffy.
“There’s a lot to choose from if you’re looking for last-minute gifts,” Anthony Jordan said.
Lesley Jordan said that in their hometown of York, many residents hear talk of Ocean City and assume the discussion is about the identically named resort in Maryland, which she finds annoying.
“We always emphasize we are talking about Ocean City, New Jersey,” she said. “In fact, we won’t buy anything that says Ocean City on it, unless it also says New Jersey.”
Local restaurants were also benefiting from the holiday shopping spree. Patty Talese, owner of Jon and Patty’s Coffee Bar and Bistro on Asbury Avenue, said shoppers were coming in at her place to take a break.
“We’ve seen a lot of people coming in here, carrying lots of bags,” she said. “(The business community) stresses the benefits of shopping locally, and people are hearing the message.”
One such believer is Kevin Corcoran, who was out shopping with his young son, also named Kevin, and his wife, Kristin.
“We like to support the local businesses,” said Corcoran, an Ocean City resident and owner of his own seasonal business.
“It’s easy, relaxed and fun, and we’re supporting (the local economy),” he said.
