Despite Hamptons residents’ annoyance that the Kardashian klan is summering there, we’re told the Southampton Chamber of Commerce has been telling people their presence has boosted local business.
Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley tells us, “I do know that we have had some people come to the Village just to see them. And that does have a positive effect,” but he disagrees that Khloé and Kourtney are responsible for any increased business.
“I am still getting comments, some negative and some positive,” he tells us. “I disagree that business has increased solely due to them. Business has increased, but mostly because we have had good weather and a strong economy . . . We had a new market open in the heart of the Village, which statistically increases revenue to nearby businesses by 30 percent, and a couple of nice stores such as Ralph Lauren’s Monte Carlo Collection have opened that are well priced and attract customers.”
The Southampton Chamber of Commerce did not respond to request for comment.
But one resident groused of any boost to local business, “Is having all the troubles with the Kardashians here worth it?”