From left, Jared and Catherine Parker and Susan Morrissey of Manhattan. Shea Parker is in the stroller.
By Tim Kelly
Every day is small business day on the Boardwalk.
With the exception of a few chain store franchises, almost every shop along the boards is a “mom and pop” organization. Some have grown over the years and have opened multiple locations, but even those have humble roots, mostly right here in Ocean City.
On Saturday, the official “Small Business Saturday” across America, Ocean City certainly did its part. The second day of the post-Thnksgiving weekend, which also includes “Black Friday,” the biggest retail day of the year, was embraced by locals and visitors alike.
It certainly helped that the sun was shining brightly in the early part of the day and temperatures, which had dipped into the 20s on Thanksgiving, were in the 50s. It seemed more like an early spring day on the boards than the end of November as a steady stream of folks took in the amazing weather and the amazing deals.
Robert Perkinson and son Thomas were enjoying the great weather and great deals on Small Business Saturday.
Robert Perkinson, of Malvern, Pa., was out and about with his 2-year-old son, Thomas. He said it was a combination of the beautiful weather and a desire to help local businesses and start his holiday shopping early that led him and his son to the Boardwalk.
“We are picking up Ocean City-themed gifts for people,” he said. “Shirts or whatever else we see that we like that has a connection to Ocean City.”
Perkinson said his support of Small Business Monday extended to downtown Ocean City as well.
“We are going to head over to Asbury Avenue and check out B&B (department store),” he said.
Anne Saunders, right, with Leland and Jacqui Hewell.
Ocean City resident Anne Saunders was out strolling with daughter Jacqui Hewell and son-in-law Leland Hewell, who visit several times per year. They travel from York County, Pa., to enjoy America’s Favorite Family Resort.
“I’m a big fan of the salt water taffy,” Leland Hewell.
Anne Saunders said the trio had also shopped along Asbury Avenue earlier in the weekend.
Angela and Dan Connor, of Broomall, Pa., were definitely in shopping mode as they strolled the Boardwalk with daughter Murphy and son Jack.
“There are a lot of good sales,” Angela Connor said. “We’re going to pick up some Christmas ornaments, and look for gifts. We’re definitely going to go to Asbury Avenue and check out the shops there, too.”
Susan Morrissey and Jared, Catherine and Shea Parker were all in town for the weekend after driving down from Manhattan. Nobody in the group was shopping; they were on the boards to enjoy the weather.
“We’re here for the fresh air,” Jared Parker said.
“And to be in Ocean City,” Morrissey added. “There’s no place like Ocean City.”
From left, Jared and Catherine Parker and Susan Morrissey of Manhattan. Shea Parker is in the stroller.
