Cape May County’s Newspaper ‘The Shoppe’ Says Final Farewell After 46 Years
After 46 years of dedicated service to the residents of Cape May County, The Shoppe, also known as the CMC Shoppers Guide, has announced its final issue.
The heartfelt farewell, issued by the paper’s long-standing staff and published this week, marks the end of an era that began in 1979 with a simple yet powerful mission: to inform, connect, and serve the local community.
For nearly five decades, The Shoppe chronicled the stories that made Cape May County what it is today, from neighborhood milestones and small business spotlights to local triumphs and community happenings.
The decision to close comes following the passing of the publication’s founder and owner, whose passion for local journalism and unwavering belief in community-driven storytelling inspired every printed page.
The Shoppe’s message of farewell paid tribute to their enduring legacy, noting that their dedication never wavered, even as technology and the media landscape evolved.
“Through changing times, shifting technology, and evolving readership, their commitment never wavered,” the farewell reads. “It is with deep gratitude, and heavy hearts, that we announce the closing of our newspaper.”
Their official statement came in the new publication but was also published online saying…
“After much reservation, the family has decided that – just as the passage of time has taken our beloved Barbara and Otto- the time seems right to allow Shoppe’s era to come to its final issue, which you hold in your hands today.On behalf of the entire Sneaker and Jensch families, we send our deepest and heartfelt appreciation to all the hardworking, dedicated Shoppe team members who worked with us over the years to create and publish each issue. Each one was a labor of love.When each issue was ready for printing, Mom or Otto would exclaim, “Box ’em up!” We would put the pages in a box and take them to the printer. Then watch how the community – all of you – would clamor for the new issue each Thursday morning..”
As the presses come to a halt, what remains is a rich archive of local life, nearly half a century of Cape May County’s collective memory captured in print.
The Shoppe’s final message reflects the deep connection it built with its readers: “Your support gave us purpose, and your loyalty gave us longevity.”
Though this chapter is closing, the impact of The Shoppe will live on in the hearts of those it touched, a trusted companion, a community voice, and a true hometown newspaper.
We live in a world where local reporting is dying, not because it lacks value, but because it often lacks the financial support and recognition it deserves.
Also See: Why Are These Jellyfish Washing Up in Cape May County? – Cannonball Jellyfish
As national headlines dominate the media landscape, small-town voices are being lost.
Newspapers like The Shoppe served as the heartbeat of their communities, telling the stories no one else would, shining a light on local heroes, and keeping residents informed about the things happening right outside their doors.
This is your reminder that you should always support local. It’s that kind of reporting that keeps communities informed, gives a voice to the voiceless, and preserves the stories that larger outlets often overlook.
Local newspapers like The Shoppe don’t just report the news — they build relationships, spotlight small businesses, celebrate school achievements, cover town hall meetings, and remind us of what truly matters close to home.
Without local journalism, we lose the thread that ties our neighborhoods together.
We lose the watchdogs who hold power accountable, the storytellers who honor our shared history, and the platforms that uplift local voices. (and that is coming from someone who does local journalism)
When we support local media, we invest in our community’s identity, its resilience, and its future.
So sign up for a subscription to the Cape May County Herald or maybe sign up to become a Patron on our site so that we can continue to bring you the news because once local media is gone, it’s nearly impossible to replace.
Let’s keep the spirit of The Shoppe alive by making sure local news remains strong for the next generation.