CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WECT) – While crowds filled the Carolina Beach boardwalk for Labor Day, the holiday unofficially marks the end of the coastal tourist season, prompting local business owners to reflect on their summer success.
Kelly Knight, who opened the gift shop Sumthin Beachie in Carolina Beach five years ago, said her business has grown every year. While she credits locals for consistent support, she still relies heavily on tourists.
“We carry a lot of local art, we carry a lot of home decor,” Knight said. “We have about 50 people who come through the store every day. We have a lot of ornaments. The tourists come home with an ornament.”
Local businesses are hoping to continue building on historic momentum across the region, with many counties in southeastern North Carolina seeing economic growth last season:
- New Hanover County brought in a record-breaking $1.2 billion in tourism revenue in 2025
- Brunswick County also reached a record high last year, with visitors spending more than $1.24 billion
- Pender County tourism spending rose 0.4% to $203.08 million from 2024 to 2025
With another Labor Day passing, coastal tourism will begin its seasonal decline. However, Knight said this summer was a great one.
“We have probably increased 30-40% since last year, at least I have personally,” she said. “I feel like we have so much to offer with new restaurants, new shopping.”
Official state data detailing the full economic impact of the 2026 season will not be released until next year, but Knight believes revenue for local businesses appears to be trending upward.
Copyright 2026 WECT. All rights reserved.