Main Street Struggling For Business During Barclays

With in town one may think that it would boost the local economy in Farmingdale, but Main Street business owners are telling a different tale.

It may be world-class golf at nearby , but the crowds and attention – for the most part – are passing Farmingdale businesses by. 

“I wouldn't necessarily say its a very big help for our business. It is more of a hindrance,” said manager of internet sales at , A.J. Schumacher.

“The town loves to tout this as a fantastic thing and it seems about the only places that end up benefiting are the bars in the evening," he said.

Jim Thompson, owner of the newly opened speciality shop, , agreed that business has been tough to come by during the tournament.

“I think it is the fact that the parking for the shuttle is discouraging regular local shoppers to come into town to shop. I'm literally having the worst day I’ve had since I opened,” he said.

While some retail stores are struggling, General Manager of the , Mike Dicroia, says the week-long event has been good for business so far.

“We have a lot of reservations so we are definitely expecting a big crowd,” said Dicroia, who says some amateur and big name golfers are expected to visit.

“I’m kind of a hush-hush about it right now. There are definitely a few big shots coming in. It’s definitely a good thing,” he said.

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said the region would see an .

While some restaurants and bars are doing well, others are still struggling. Owner of , Peter Rousakis said has been handing out flyers at the train station, offering drink specials and live music and still hasn’t noticed any increase in business.

“My weekends look the same as usual," Rousakis said. "I don't see an influx of picking up in terms of reservations. It is not working of us. I’ve heard from prior businesses in the area from the last U.S. Open that it is the same thing. It didn't do anything for our local Main Street.”

Some owners expressed their concerns for the Village to create a new plan of action for future golf events, saying that the tournament has not only failed to bring in new customers but that it is also upset the balance for regular customers. The Barclays continues through Sunday.

"Most people come into the train station and they bus them right over to Bethpage and we never see them, but we have heard a lot more from people that are our regular customers about it being a bigger disruption," Schumacher said. 

Thompson says renting out abandoned lots in Farmingdale for parking would be the best option to maintain a sense of normality for customers and businesses on Main Street during big events such as the Barclays. 

“I think if they could rent that parking lot some how, that is kind of off the beaten path and it won't then impact the local trade. That way everybody wins,” he said.