We all know the Wildwood boardwalk isn't the place to go if you want to witness rapid change, but it seems there's some new stuff this season. Hatchet-throwing is becoming a thing (never done it, but maybe I should so I can understand the appeal) and there are at least two new clothing stores that are very different from the usual t-shirt traps (Beau Boutique near Mariner's and another between Mariner's and Adventure Pier selling Wildwood-specific stuff, almost like a boardwalk "Exit Zero").
Has anyone noticed anything else new and different? Your thoughts on these businesses surviving/thriving?
I had a response, tried to post it multiple times, but it wouldn't let me post it! I'll try again tomorrow.
I know there is a Playa bowl place on the boardwalk now. That seems to be the new fad in healthy desserts.
I don't forsee some of the upscale clothing stores lasting on the boardwalk. People are on vacation and don't want to spend $50 for something they can get for $10 at Wal-Mart.
I'm all for more healthy food options! Some people go nuts on vacation with what they eat- I don't blame them, I used to do the same. But not everyone does. So it's a win win for everyone.
I actively avoid anything that advertises itself as "upscale" (or has a reputation for being so). Too many things have been ruined by trying to appeal to that "sensibility" and it's just not my kind of vibe. If I wanted that, then Stone Harbor or Avalon is just a hop & a skip away in the car. Of course you're right about $50 tee-shirts, regardless, especially on the boardwalk. I'm also one of those people who "go nuts" and eat whatever I like on vacation. For me, it's a *part* of the vacation -- which is extremely temporary after all, Sean. ;)
Amen to "more healthy food options." I do endorse the new Steak 'em-Up, as my system runs pretty well on red meat (unfortunately) and I thought their Philly cheese steak quite good on two occasions. I told the guys behind the counter there that I won't eat anything in the middle of the boardwalk except Mack's. (To which one immediately retorted "Sam's." LOL) I love the boards and tend to spend long stretches walking and tram-riding and eventually, of course, hunger becomes a problem. More options not loaded with grease, sugar and dubious ingredients would be nice. (I find the Doo Wop Diner a reliable resource but of course that's well below the middle.)
we will let everyone know in a few weeks when we head there
I saw a couple new clothing stores, one in particular, "Simply Wildwood" looked very nice. It was all embroidered Wildwood attire. The store was clean, organized, and bright. It's definitely nice to see more place like this as opposed to the t-shirt stores. Every Jersey boardwalk needs some of them, but they get old after a while. Shore Lines looks to be doing great, I dropped $120 there last night getting a couple gifts and decorations for my house.
Is Simply Wildwood the store that is painted in pastel colors with all pastel clothes? I remember one of them being a pastel overload.
Someone should bring back 'The Fun Shop' - selling the same types of items it originally did.
An excellent idea! A great business for fun boardwalk!
I loved the Fun Shop. Everytime I had a buck to spend that's where I'd go. X-Ray specs, snap gum, squirt seat and whoppee cushions. Great magic tricks there also. It would be terrific to bring that all back.
Ever notice how the "t-shirt traps" are featuring Wildwood graphics a lot more than they did not so long ago? That's a good thing, fellow fanatics. The shirt business on the boardwalk is going through some changes though, which I haven't quite sorted out yet. One thought I definitely do have on this subject: Thank the gods that something, anything replaced Fredo's. 😁
It's likely a good thing. Some of the graphic t-shirts are funny (foul humor doesn't usually offend me) but I would think most people willing to drop $$$ on clothing would prefer something they can wear more often. The stuff in Simply Wildwood looks to be aimed at the same people always going to Cape May to buy Exit Zero stuff (like me). People can wear Exit Zero shirts everywhere, unlike ones advertising the mental damage of the person they're standing next to.
You are all correct, the "upscale" places bombed and more T-shirt places have proliferated. And Fredo's (same owner, same equipment) opened on the front corner of the boardwalk mall, so much for new ideas.