Скачать или смотреть Summer businesses in West Michigan adjust for fall as Labor Day arrives

Thumbnail photo credit: Jeremy Watson

This Labor Day weekend, West Michigan may be a destination for tourists both in and out of state, but it's also the last major weekend for local businesses catering to seasonal vacationers.

With the cooler temperatures of fall just weeks away, store owners are preparing both for the back-to-school dropoff, and for what to sell once the snow covers the ground.

In South Haven, the last days of August still brought a high turnout to Dyckman Beach.

The 70-degree temperatures were perfect for what some visitors say will be their last trip for 2025.

One visitor from Canada says the three-hour drive was worth it for the South Haven views.

"The lake is so blue and green," Canadian visitor Kamen Laptev said. "The beaches are awesome, fine sand."

The influx of out-of-region tourists are new for businesses like Outpost Sports, located just one block from the beach, selling summer gear and renting out bikes and kayaks.

Owner Jacqualine Lea says the COVID boost in outdoor activities has hit a plateau in the last couple of years, but says she’s gained new loyal customers who visited the area back when travelling options were limited.

"Ever since COVID, when they couldn't fly for a while, we had a lot of people from Ohio and Wisconsin that have been seeing me for four or five years because of the fact they didn't have to fly," Lea said.

That business helps sustain a store like hers when fall starts moving in.

She’s already put out cross-country skis and snowshoes to prepare for changes in customers’ recreation habits.

Lea also praises South Haven for its small business-focused mentality.

A few years ago, she began working with other West Michigan small businesses for her product including cornhole boards made just for her by a local artist.

She says the teamwork helps get more visitors during the slow months.

"I do use a local vendor who's out of Kalamazoo for my kayaks and paddleboards instead of having them shipped in," Lea said.

Wineries are also seeing their peak season winding down.

Read more: https://wwmt.com/news/local/summer-bu...
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