Businesses at the Lake of the Ozarks see more foot traffic during the holiday weekend
CAMDEN, Mo. (KMIZ)
Many businesses at the Lake of the Ozarks saw their sales boom during Memorial Day Weekend, as more people begin to travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carolyn Richards, manager of The Dogpatch Store at the lake, told me while they've been relatively busy all year, the store had a terrific weekend even needing to call in additional staff to help with the large crowd.
Richards told me the only issue they've had is hiring enough people to serve the increased business, she added she's hired two people this year but at the same time, has lost four.
Damon O'Dell, manager at Ozark Shave Ice and Creamery told me seeing everyone with their families out and about has been a welcome and much-needed sight for the city.
O'Dell said he's served many customers who were just happy to get ice cream and see all businesses open and thriving.
The manager added that he expects to see the lake have its biggest summer ever, with decreasing COVID-19 numbers and residents looking to travel.
Blayre Pauley, owner of Summer Girl Boutique, said her business just opened last week and they are already sold out of almost everything.
Pauley said she's been in a rush to order merchandise to ensure she has enough in stock for this upcoming weekend.
The owner said she interacted with a lot of customers out of state, which she said was a welcome sign to see people traveling back to the lake.
Pauley said last year was a big summer with most businesses making double what they would in a normal summer. This summer, Pauley is expecting to triple normal sales.
