Grand Strand Season, Ep. 9: Shoulder Season Is the Secret Season — A Playbook for Local Businesses
GRAND STRAND SEASON · Episode 9 · Business
Summer pays the bills. The off-season decides whether you grow.
The numbers
The Myrtle Beach area welcomed an estimated 18.2 million visitors in 2024. Tourism’s total economic impact was estimated at more than $26 billion, supporting about 82,000 jobs (CVB Industry Research). Golf alone accounts for about $1.6 billion (CVB Results).
The calendar is lopsided. July and August are busiest. Spring and fall are shoulder seasons. November through February has the lowest rates of the year.
The playbook
- Sell the locals. Coastal Carolina University enrolled a record 11,881 students in fall 2025, and Conway businesses reported more customers as a result (WMBF). Run student and resident nights.
- Ride the event calendar. Build specials around the oyster roasts, light shows and parades in Ep. 3.
- Court the golfers. Fall golf season brings real demand. Offer tee-time-friendly hours and early breakfasts.
- Use free parking. If you’re downtown in Myrtle Beach, say “free parking” in every post until February (Ep. 1).
- Get listed. Put your business and properties on GrandStrand.app so off-season visitors can find you.
Season one, wrapped
Nine episodes covered parking in two cities, the events calendar, rental compliance, storms, the airport, valet, a weekend route and now the business case. Season two picks up with the spring paid-parking switch on March 1.
GRAND STRAND SEASON is GrandStrand.app’s running guide to living, visiting and doing business on the Grand Strand, from Little River to Pawleys Island. Previous: Ep. 8. Start over at Ep. 1.
Rules, rates and dates change. We link the official source for each fact; check it before you rely on it.
