Businesses struggle near the shoreline

The slow economy has many businesses along the shoreline making changes just to try to stay afloat. But, while some business are managing to hold their own, others are just barely keeping their heads above water.

The staycation trend has kept visitors coming to Mystic but there are still fewer of them these days.

"I think all our numbers are off just a little bit," said Lu Lupovich of Southern Exposure.

Still, Lupovich said her store Southern Exposure is doing pretty well.

"I think that we're more fortunate than most because we sell things that are different," Lupovich said.

Mystic Seaport has also seen an overall drop about seven percent this year and this winter it will be closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. But that's more due to the season than the economy; a shorter week but more to do.

"In the past we've closed our village and limited the activities but this year we've actually expanded them," said Michael Farrell of Mystic Seaport.

There's also a change in who runs the Seaport's restaurants. Sodexo is out and so are its 100 employees when its contract is up at the end of the year. Their loss is another company's gain.

"This was a national search, believe it or not, and we looked everywhere and we found our best partner closest to home," said Farrell.

Coastal Gourmet, in Stonington, landed its biggest account and gave some hope to laid off workers.

"They'll be a lot more growth for us. I could see us hiring at least over 100 people," said Charles Spathakis of Coastal Gourmet.

While some fail, others flourish.

"You just have to give the best service and the best product available," Spathakis said.

Here in downtown Mystic a longtime gift shop closed after 24-years in business but the empty storefront won't stay empty for long thanks to these guys next door.

The Velvet Swan is taking over the space to sell sterling silver and accessories.

"We were interested in also expanding with some more affordable items to help people in the economy right now," said Deb MacIntosh of The Velvet Swan.