South Haven, Mich. – The End of Summer and Its Impact on Local Businesses
As summer dwindles, the cooler air signals a decrease in visitors to West Michigan’s beach towns, particularly South Haven, where local business owners anticipate a slowdown in sales.
With fewer tourists compared to the bustling summer weeks, establishments like South Pier Creamery are beginning to feel the pinch. Lead Supervisor Penny Dolusic noted the surge in summer activity: “Lines out the door. Hundreds of waffle cones made every day fresh.” Located just half a mile from the beach, the creamery traditionally sees a steady flow of customers throughout summer break.
As fall approaches, the number of visitors drops significantly, prompting a reduction in both hours and flavors at local spots. Dolusic explained, “Kind of falls back a little bit, you know, and then kids go back to school.”
This seasonal fluctuation is a known pattern for many businesses along the lakeshore. Data from Visit South Haven reveals around 1.6 million travelers visited the area in 2025, with over 60 percent of those during the peak summer months. This creates a stark contrast between busy and slow periods, especially for weather-dependent shops.
Dolusic remarked on the unpredictability of fall business: “You never know what the day will bring… whether the weather is going to cooperate to be nice or whether it’s going to be a little, you know, iffy.”
Despite a decline in visitor numbers since the height of the COVID pandemic, spending has seen an increase, rising from $100 million in 2020 to $191 million in 2024.
Phoenix Records owner Greg Scholl emphasized the importance of summer sales for winter budgeting. With fewer beachgoers, he depends on loyal local customers to sustain his business throughout the off-season. He expressed a desire for South Haven to develop a more stable, year-round economy rather than relying solely on summer tourism.
While event offerings, such as the Ice Breaker festival, have increased, Scholl believes there’s more potential for growth. He advocates for limiting second homes and rental properties to make housing more accessible for young couples.
Tourism metrics for events like the 4th of July and Memorial Day weekend showed promising growth in 2026, with attendance increasing. However, the overall activity during the Independence Day weekend saw a slight dip compared to the previous year.
As summer winds down, local businesses prepare for the slow months ahead, hoping for a more sustainable and diverse economic future for South Haven.
