Beach business speaks on Memorial Day impact

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) – The holiday weekend is over, but some businesses are still reaping the benefits.

Every year thousands of people head to the coast for Memorial Day. Jeff DeGroote, owner of South End Surf Shop in Wrightsville Beach, says the holiday normally represents the beginning of the busy season.

“We’ve seen a lot of foot traffic, it’s great to see all the locals but then also a lot of the tourists that come back in town over the years,” said DeGroote.

DeGroote says spring and summer holidays help support the business during slower times of the year. He says he thinks close to 20,000 people passed by the shop during Memorial Day Weekend.

“Over the past 15 years, we’ve obviously grown. The South End of the island was kind of a sleepy part of the island. But, we created a community down here and it’s been a lot of fun,” said DeGroote.

DeGroote also gives out free hot dogs for the entire community during Memorial Day and all other summer holidays. He says it is a way to commemorate the people who lost their lives while serving.

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