SAN DIEGO — It’s back to business at the Clairemont Surf Shop.
“I mean [there is] some cash flow coming back through the store. Obviously, there’s a lot more precautions to take to be careful. Everybody wearing face masks, cleaning, hand sanitizer, all that stuff,” said owner Danny O’Connel.
O’Connel is a second-generation owner who took the business over from his dad, who opened the store in 1976. The store recently opened after the coronavirus pandemic put a major strain on their livelihood. The new protocols include curbside service.
“We have a long history,” said O’Connel. “We are family-owned and operated. My wife helps with the books and keeping food on the table.”
On Saturday, many longtime customers showed their support.
Lonnie Ayers said, “It’s awesome considering I came here when I was 12 years old and it’s still here.”
Ayers bought his first surfboard at the shop 42 years ago.
The customers wore masks and socially distanced. Ayers brought his daughter to buy her first board.
As things begin to slowly open up, businesses and restaurants have to find a new normal in order to stay afloat. O’Connel said, “As soon as the beaches reopened, we were able to start doing the curbside and got the website back up. It’s been at least decent, obviously not the same as it was before, but enough to keep the doors open and food on the table.”