The Courtesy Shop on the Boardwalk

The 2006 season was the last for the Courtesy Shop on the boardwalk. The shop moved to a smaller spot on Talbot Street behind Fisher’s Popcorn.  Why the move?

“We have been on the boardwalk for 38 years and it is time to think of downsizing and semi retiring” says Nita Trattner.  For the many loyal customers of the Courtesy Shop they have seen a change over the last couple of years since Steve has been diagnosed with the debilitating MSA disease. He worked in the store everyday until it became physically impossible for him to walk on his own. Nita continued her 7 day a week schedule in the shop until this summer when Steve’s healthcare was her primary responsibility and she could only be there a few days a week. She would keep Steve abreast of all of the happenings at the store and of the many customers they have known for over 30 years that make their annual stop at the Courtesy Shop. Steve’s anecdotes and smile has been missed at the Courtesy shop.

 The Trattner’s have been fortunate to have an incredible staff that has kept the Trattner tradition of customer service and recognizing the numerous customers who have become friends over the years. Robin Rockwell, Kay Sutter, Virginia Kinling , Loraine Mack and Gary & Judy Seiz have worked many years at the Courtesy Shop.

The new store will continue with the famous wooden houses of all of the familiar Ocean City businesses and also dolls and Ocean City special items. Nita loves to “find” special items that she can put Ocean City on for a lasting keepsake.

The Trattner’s have had a boardwalk career since 1968 starting with Steve’s Carry Out on the boardwalk  at the inlet. They have had numerous food and games on the south end of the boards. They had a food spot on 9^th street and also a food and gift shop in the 45^th Street Village and gifts at Shantytown and on Baltimore Ave. The Trattner family includes Steve and Nita’s three children Tammy, Steve, Jr., and Julie who have worked the family businesses as kids, teenagers and young adults, now have there own careers and children but you will still see all of them helping out. The spouses and five grandchildren even get into the act whenever they can. This close knit family has always worked together and when you talk to them have many fond memories of growing up on the boardwalk. They all are sad to see an Ocean City landmark gone, but know how many years of hard work and long hours their parents have put into the boardwalk and know its time to downsize.

Nita and Steve want to thank all of their loyal customers and friends. They hope everyone will stop by the new Courtesy Shop just around the corner on Talbot St.

The tradition will still go on…just a bit smaller.

The phone number will stay the same and you can also visit the website at www.courtesyhopoc.com.