In the last year, Downtown Burlington has seen its store turnover numbers increase.They've seen more vacancies than usual from previous years. Kelly Devine, director of Burlington Business Association, said vacancies downtown are currently around 7 percent. The lowest she's seen them during her time in the Queen City is 3.5 percent. In the year's span, downtown has seen a double-digit number of store changes.Several previous downtown businesses, such as Monelle, have cited public safety concerns for their departure.However, Vermont Eclectic, a local T-shirt store, hasn't followed the trend.This past November, the store moved into downtown, in the very location where Monelle used to operate.“We’re not letting it deter us from being present and being a part of the Burlington community," said Jeff Bryant, Vermont Eclectic store manager.Bryant said they still view Downtown Burlington as a prominent location.He was reassured by their decision after their holiday sales.“We got to talk to customers, both locals and those that were visiting, that knew some of the concerns that were going on, but it didn’t deter people from being here and supporting local business," Bartley said.Devine said they're working to provide new businesses with the resources they need to thrive.“We’ve done a lot of small things like Ambassador programs," Devine said. "We have a safety tip card that we hand out to those businesses. We let them know we’re there for them.”Devine said despite the public safety challenges, she believes Downtown Burlington is still an intriguing spot for potential businesses, given the vibrancy of the outdoor pedestrian mall design.“I think we can continue to make this an absolutely amazing space," Devine said.Kara Alnasrawi, Church Street Marketplace's director, said while the rising number of vacancies is concerning, she's encouraged by how quickly those spaces are filling up.“It shows us there's still an appetite to open a business in Downtown Burlington," Alnasrawi said.She said her team has been working with a third-party company to calculate foot traffic numbers that are garnered through cellphone data.Alnasrawi said those numbers are back to pre-pandemic standards.“There’s still a lot of activities that are only taking place here in Burlington, so it’s still a draw and still brings people here," Alnasrawi said.Bryant believes the pros of establishing a presence in the Queen City outweigh the cons.He's ready to see what the future holds for Vermont Eclectic. “For as many businesses that are leaving, there are new businesses that are coming in that will be breathing in new life and energy in downtown," said Bryant. "We’re really looking forward to that.”Several new businesses will be opening up in downtown soon.Insomnia Cookies will replace The Body Shop on Church Street.Around the corner, a new restaurant called Frankie's is going into the former Penny Cluse Cafe.
BURLINGTON, Vt. —
In the last year, Downtown Burlington has seen its store turnover numbers increase.
They've seen more vacancies than usual from previous years.
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Kelly Devine, director of Burlington Business Association, said vacancies downtown are currently around 7 percent. The lowest she's seen them during her time in the Queen City is 3.5 percent.
In the year's span, downtown has seen a double-digit number of store changes.
Several previous downtown businesses, such as Monelle, have cited public safety concerns for their departure.
However, Vermont Eclectic, a local T-shirt store, hasn't followed the trend.
This past November, the store moved into downtown, in the very location where Monelle used to operate.
“We’re not letting it deter us from being present and being a part of the Burlington community," said Jeff Bryant, Vermont Eclectic store manager.
Bryant said they still view Downtown Burlington as a prominent location.
He was reassured by their decision after their holiday sales.
“We got to talk to customers, both locals and those that were visiting, that knew some of the concerns that were going on, but it didn’t deter people from being here and supporting local business," Bartley said.
Devine said they're working to provide new businesses with the resources they need to thrive.
“We’ve done a lot of small things like Ambassador programs," Devine said. "We have a safety tip card that we hand out to those businesses. We let them know we’re there for them.”
Devine said despite the public safety challenges, she believes Downtown Burlington is still an intriguing spot for potential businesses, given the vibrancy of the outdoor pedestrian mall design.
“I think we can continue to make this an absolutely amazing space," Devine said.
Kara Alnasrawi, Church Street Marketplace's director, said while the rising number of vacancies is concerning, she's encouraged by how quickly those spaces are filling up.
“It shows us there's still an appetite to open a business in Downtown Burlington," Alnasrawi said.
She said her team has been working with a third-party company to calculate foot traffic numbers that are garnered through cellphone data.
Alnasrawi said those numbers are back to pre-pandemic standards.
“There’s still a lot of activities that are only taking place here in Burlington, so it’s still a draw and still brings people here," Alnasrawi said.
Bryant believes the pros of establishing a presence in the Queen City outweigh the cons.
He's ready to see what the future holds for Vermont Eclectic.
“For as many businesses that are leaving, there are new businesses that are coming in that will be breathing in new life and energy in downtown," said Bryant. "We’re really looking forward to that.”
Several new businesses will be opening up in downtown soon.
Insomnia Cookies will replace The Body Shop on Church Street.
Around the corner, a new restaurant called Frankie's is going into the former Penny Cluse Cafe.
