CRISFIELD, Md. - People in Crisfield say they have noticed the slow but sure decline of business in the Somerset County town. Some believe it started with the economic crash in 2008.
Patty Green, who owns The Weathered Porch in Crisfield, said, "The big box stores are very difficult on the small mom and pop businesses because they're obviously going to be able to sell lots of things that are a lot cheaper than a small town can do."
Karen Riggin of Riggin's Market in Crisfield believes the rise of small businesses in Crisfield needs to begin with the people native to the town.
"Everyone needs to make a go of it, and if you can get it within the hometown then you should do that," she said. "It's how it all began it's how we all take care of each other so we all can keep alive."
Some business owners say there were promises made of prosperity for the town but the U.S. economic crash of 2008 put an end to the dreams. Since then, business owners said they have seen tourists steadily decline and businesses come and go.
Amy Townsend remains optimistic. She plans to open her business, Hocus Focus Photography, in March.
"I've seen a lot of businesses come and go it doesn't seem like there's a lot of staying power, but I'm hoping that will change," she said. "I know there's a lot of community organizations out here that are trying to make sure that the businesses that come to Crisfield stay in Crisfield, and I'm hoping to be one of them."
