Great White Shark

In the heart of Cape May, situated among the historic storefronts of the Washington Street Mall, you’ll find something unexpected: an 18-foot great white shark suspended from the ceiling. It looms over customers, silently observing as they browse through t-shirts that range from quirky to clever, shot glasses with local flair, and socks that can make even the grumpiest beachgoer chuckle. This is the Great White Shark T-Shirt Shop—equal parts local institution, tourist treasure trove, and a living legacy of one family’s dedication to retail, humor, and yes, sharks.

For Joanne Klineburger, the owner and steward of the store, the Great White Shark T-Shirt Shop is far more than just a business—it’s home. “My parents started this legacy,” she says, recalling how her family has been in retail since the 1960s. Joanne’s parents ran businesses across the Jersey Shore before her father purchased the Cape May property that houses Great White Shark T-Shirt Shop in 1988. At first, he opened it as Anthony’s Pizzeria, but by 1993, it transformed into the shop we know today.

The inspiration for the shop’s name—and its most famous resident—came from her father’s unique taste. While running his marina in Wildwood, he somehow acquired a fiberglass replica of an 18-foot shark caught off the coast of Australia. It weighed 3,800 pounds and had reportedly swallowed a 200-pound seal and a car battery before being caught. “He was a very eclectic guy,” Joanne says of her dad with a laugh. Moving the shark into the store was no small feat—windows had to be removed, and walls adjusted. “My dad always wanted to be on the mall, so when he bought this place, he knew he wasn’t going anywhere.”

The shark is more than just a curiosity, it’s a link to a larger story. Fans of the iconic 1975 film Jaws might not realize that the movie itself was inspired by real-life events: the infamous 1916 shark attacks in New Jersey. Over the course of 12 days that summer, four people were killed and one injured in a series of attacks that began off the Jersey Shore and continued inland, including a fatal encounter in a Matawan Creek. The incidents caused widespread panic and were later fictionalized in Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel Jaws, which Steven Spielberg brought to terrifying life on screen a year later. For visitors who step into the Great White Shark T-Shirt Shop, the connection to this chilling history adds an unexpected layer to their experience.

For many visitors, the shark is a conversation starter. “The first thing people say is, ‘That’s not real, is it?’” Joanne says. “And then I point to the plaque that tells her story.” For others, it’s a memorable piece of Cape May quirkiness—a perfect fit in a town known for its charm and nostalgia.

But the shark is only part of what makes the Great White Shark T-Shirt Shop such a draw. At its core, the store is about offering something different, a niche in a sea of traditional tourist shops and specialty boutiques. “You can come in here 12 times and not see everything,” Joanne says. The shop carries sizes from 6 months to 6XL, making it a go-to spot for customers looking for inclusive options. “People come in and say, ‘You really have that in my size?’ And I do! That’s important to us.”

Joanne’s keen eye for humor and quality is evident in the merchandise. From t-shirts that play on local New Jersey culture—like the popular “Only NJ” line featuring pork roll references—to clever phrases that stop just short of risqué, the shop exudes lightheartedness. “We push it right up to the line but never cross it,” she says. One of her favorites is a shirt that reads “Fat Bottom Gulls,” a cheeky nod to Queen’s famous song. Another popular seller? “Just the Tip,” a reference to Cape May’s location at the southernmost point of New Jersey.

The shop’s eclectic offerings go beyond t-shirts. Custom socks have become a surprising best-seller, featuring everything from Cape May lighthouses to the Jersey Devil. Shot glasses, pint glasses, and other souvenirs round out the mix, providing visitors with keepsakes that are equal parts memorable and practical.

This year, Joanne has her sights set on the 50th anniversary of Jaws. “Jaws fans are purists,” she explains. “They want the original, not the sequels. I’m bringing in shirts, socks, figures—everything I can find to celebrate it.” Her excitement for the milestone is palpable, and she’s confident it will draw in both die-hard fans and curious tourists.

While the merchandise continues to evolve, the heart of the Great White Shark T-Shirt Shop remains the same: it’s a family business with a soul. Joanne’s son, Adam, has joined her in running the shop, ensuring the legacy will continue for a third generation. “He’s got great ideas and he’s learning quickly,” Joanne says proudly. “It’s an opportunity for him. He seems to like it and is thriving.”

The store’s success isn’t just about its unique inventory or its iconic shark. It’s about the people, the generations of families who have walked through its doors, laughed at a t-shirt, and taken home a piece of Cape May magic. “We have the best customers,” Joanne says. “All you hear is laughter in the store. And it gives me pleasure to see people so happy.”

For Joanne, the Great White Shark T-Shirt Shop is more than a business. It’s a living tribute to her parents, a gift to her son, and a reflection of Cape May’s enduring charm. It’s proof that with a little humor, a lot of heart, and an 18-foot shark, you can create something unforgettable.

So, the next time you’re in Cape May, step into the Great White Shark T-Shirt Shop. Look up, say hello to the shark, and get ready to laugh—because this is no ordinary t-shirt store. It’s a piece of Cape May history, one clever shirt at a time.