REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- Usually after Labor Day, businesses along the coast see less people, but for some reason, it has either picked up or stayed steady, almost like it's still summer.
Debbie Marchese, the Owner of Kilwin's said, "We still don't know what to expect for the fall and winter but this is a good sign if it continues this way."
Over at Kilwin's its been good news since Labor Day, still not making it back to 100 percent, but making progress during a typically slower month. She said, "And we went from being down twenty five percent year over year in August to now being up eight percent in September." The Chamber of Commerce says businesses are doing well and hotels are seeing more bookings on the weekends especially. But those aren't the only rentals benefiting. Even though the businesses are thriving and hotels might be seeing more people booking. Jack Lingo on Rehoboth Avenue says that rentals through them are also doing very well because not everyone needs to do their work from home, they can do it from pretty much anywhere. Karen Maull, a Rental Manager with Jack Lingo said, "We have seen a much stronger shoulder season so far." She added, "Well I think people just say why not go to the beach, have a beautiful view of the beach, be able to you know take walks on the beach while they're not working, while they're not schooling." With more people in Rehoboth Beach, yeah sure it's great for sales. But Kilwin's says it was short staffed all summer, and the pace has stayed the same. Marchese said, "And it's just trying to keep up based on that we don't have the staff that we normally would even have in September, not having the international program here." She says 60 percent of all their products is made in the shop. The Chamber if Commerce says it has a website for people coming to visit, it has a calendar listed full of events and deals that run all the way through December. Carol Everhart, the President of the Rehoboth-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce said, "So it could be entertainment at a restaurant, it could be a virtual jazz, with the big screen. It could be any number of discounts, specials." A delight for many businesses, after a less than vibrant summer season.