Wells Fargo Championship traffic impacts business

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — While many thought the Wells Fargo Championship was going to bring in the big bucks, for some in the Cape Fear area it was sub-par.

For Wilmington it was not until the week was in full swing before they saw real business but for Hampstead not so much.

“We expected a lot of business. And that just didn’t happen,” ABC employee, Judy said.

For most businesses in Hampstead they expected a lot of foot traffic but what they did not anticipate was all the actual traffic heading to the tournament.

“It’s just the traffic sorta kept people not wanting to come in our area. And not deal with that traffic and the backups and the so fourth. Because it was heavy traffic,” Judy said.

Not to mention the way it would impact businesses like the ABC store right next to one of two transportation hubs.

“It was busy. But it wasn’t what we were maybe expecting here in Hampstead,” Judy said.

For others like Flip Flop’s Bar Manager Erin Savage, she says business was slow and steady.

“It was different than a normal week. It was not necessarily slower. But our regulars didn’t come out. I think they were scared the traffic was going to be so bad so we lost some business because of that,” Savage said.

It was a big hit to some businesses as most regulars stayed away from the congested area. Aside from the ABC store and Flip Flop’s Bar, Jebby’s on 17 said they were slammed all weekend.

Overall most businesses in Hampstead had hoped for a better week.