As summer comes to an end on Folly Beach, the impact of major road construction on Center Street is evident. Some businesses, like Pinky’s, report record-breaking profits, with over a million dollars in revenue, signaling a rebound in consumer spending. General manager Jeff Caudill notes a change in behavior, suggesting that people are feeling freer to spend again.
However, others, such as DJ Rich from Follywood Bar, report challenges due to the construction, affecting local traffic and their usual customer base. Despite this, Rich emphasizes his bar’s focus on serving local residents rather than seasonal tourists, which helps maintain steady business throughout the year.
As the summer concludes, many local businesses anticipate a decrease in foot traffic as tourists return home, but the sense of community and resilience remains strong among them.