As a seasonal resident who has been observing the year-by-year changes on the Island for about 20 years now, I am always struck by how many stores close each year, with a fresh crop of "newbies" to take their places. Surely, retail in a seaside, tourism-driven economy is not for the faint-hearted. Many shops endeavor to open only for the "season," which can go anywhere from April until December, but many shops close after Columbus Day if not sooner. So in the space of say, six months, these stores must squeeze in as much commerce as possible, thus making this feat even more difficult.
Other shops choose to be open year-round. They make a conscious decision to live and work on the Vineyard, becoming a staple of not just the tourists, but the full-time residents. But with so many failures, andВan economy that has been a nightmare for most retailers over the past two years, what does one need to survive and thrive within such strict parameters?
Источник: Patch.com