It's the end of the world, or at least, it's looking that way in Belmar, with vacant storefronts on every block. Among the dead are lots of big chains, including Victoria's Secret, Sur la Table, Jos A. Banks, 24 Hour Fitness, Lane Bryant, and Charming Charlie. There are still a number of little boutiques that are holding on, but few customers to be seen inside. They may be among the walking dead. The only businesses that seem to be riding out the pandemic are Belmar's restaurants, although they're all operating at reduced capacity. Given the slim margins of the food industry and the Governor's emergency decree limited the sale of alcohol, I can't imagine many restaurant owners are feeling good, either.
