Redcar's seaside traders gear up for 'quieter' months and 'everyone's fingers are crossed'
Redcar buzzes with activity on a sunny day, but as winter approaches and the chill sets in, the bustling crowds thin out.
The town, voted as having one of Britain's Best Beaches for 2024, falls quieter and traders have to find ways to weather the off-peak season.
Debbie Housely, from Frosty Penguins Putting Adventure site, which offers mini-golf and a cosy cafe, is optimistic and a firm believer that the tourist trade isn't confined to just the summer months. Businesses thrive by adapting to the changing seasons and the opportunities they present.
She said: "Of course if the weather isn't great then we don't open but that means no one gets paid. So, we always try to be open for a lot of the 'colder months' as people do come out to the beach for walks especially before and after Christmas and New Year."
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"I don't think the owners are that worried about business this autumn and winter as we always seem quite busy both with our little cafe and the mini golf, but I suppose it depends on weather - as no one wants to be sandblasted when playing golf or drinking coffee.
"Last January we were open most of the month as people still want to come to the beach and we always get told that they are surprised we are here. Mind saying that we only opened last year at the end of June - but we have gained regulars who come whatever the weather."
"This summer has been really good for us as the weather has been great. It has been lovely to watch the kite surfers on the sea while serving customers and it is such a great location. I always try and spend time to talk to guests and I've been surprised where people have come from Australia and Canada and London to visit Redcar.
"Normally they have family but sometimes they want to take a trip around the different seaside towns but it is great when they want to come here. "
Jackie Pink, owner of the Gypsy Rover Micro Pub, has noticed a significant influx of tourists in the town, which has been beneficial during the summer, and is optimistic that the quieter months won't be too challenging. The landmark pub, which has warmed the hearts of Redcar residents for nearly a decade come this December, is witnessing an uptick in tourists, with many hailing from the South of England.
Jackie attributes this rise to enhanced transport connections, such as the Manchester Airport link and regular rail services from Leeds and York, which have bolstered tourism in the seaside town.
On the influx of visitors, Jackie remarked: "Thanks to the train service for the past four years goes which goes from Redcar direct to Manchester Airport. We get many visitors from Leeds or York coming for a day or two over the weekend or when the races are on. The races always brings a good crowd."
Jackie continues to successfully run her community-focused establishment by offering free entertainment most weeks and engaging weekly quizzes, which help sustain business during slower months.
Yet, despite these efforts, Jackie recognises that external pressures, like the cost of living crisis, significantly affect patronage, particularly as couples become more reticent to spend on outings during the week.
She observed: "I have noticed in the past few years with the current situation of the cost of living crisis that couples don't seem to come out during the week. Going for a meal to a restaurant then a pub for a few drinks then a taxi home can cost £100, which is a lot to spend on a weekday. So of course, my business does decline during the week."
"But, I suppose there is a positive for the 'quieter months' as maintenance or restoration work can start in the town and contractors working at nearby sites makeup for this shortage of tourists as they are mainly here Monday to Thursday then go home on a weekend. All winters are quiet, no matter what you do, so I hope this year it's not too bad."
She added: "The high street itself is dying like most of the country and pubs are closing daily as the prices of beer has gone up massively but hopefully people will still come out to socialise in the winter months. l think all winter months are hard for small businesses, especially when they have to keep up with the rising cost of commercial bills but fingers crossed pubs and any small business survive this year."
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