Comments on: [shop] The Disappearing Local Business

By: Janelle (@Mrs.TheKing)

Janelle (@Mrs.TheKing) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:18:44 +0000

Thank you, Steph! Love the 3/50 Concept.

At ABODE Home, also a local owned store, we are definitely feeing the down economy. One thing we are doing is being active in the Douglas Design District revitalization project. Check it out here: http://www.dddwichita.com/
On Douglas from Oliver through Washington, we are implementing a “beautifying Douglas” plan including pocket parks (some just for doggies :) trees, side walks, benches, etc; and then attracting and retaining local businesses. If anyone would like to get involved or contribute to keeping Douglas alive and thriving for our local businesses and community, please let Karen or I at Abode know!

Thanks for the support!

By: Jessica White

Jessica White — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:16:05 +0000

My parent’s have a wonderful floral, gift, and interiors store on Douglas and Clifton called Dean’s Designs. They have some of the most gorgeous Christmas decorations around, and I’m not just saying that because I’m spawn. My dad is way old school — the good kind. A complete gentleman that you have been able to find behind the paper-cluttered desk in the middle of the store for the past 25 years. They are having a very hard time during this recession, and just a little more foot traffic would help them immensely. PS — tell Brad, my dad, what you think about the place! Tell him I sent you in.

By: Jason Dilts

Jason Dilts — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:45:39 +0000

Very good article, Steph! It’s important that we all shop locally. I made a commitment earlier in the year to spend the few expendable dollars I have at locally owned businesses or on local art. From College Hill to Downtown to Delano and way beyond, there’s plenty of spots where local folks have invested that need our support. Thanks for the reminder of how vital this is!

By: David Bourbon

David Bourbon — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:36:05 +0000

I hope the decline in local stores is temporary and a result of the recession, and not a sign of larger social and economic trends. The big box stores have supplanted a great number of small businesses since the ’50s and ’60s. We must remember that quality and personal service are frequently worth the extra pennies we pay and that it won’t be too long before the cost of driving to a big box is prohibitively greater than walking to a small local store. It’s too bad business and government continue to be focused on the short term with a narrow view.

By: Sarah G.

Sarah G. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:35:22 +0000

I moved away from the Wichita area three years ago, but we still make the trek back each year to shop for Christmas gifts along Douglas. Watermark, Spice Merchant, Aspen Boutique (and last year, F/M.) I’d hold that shopping district up to any in the region. I’m sad to see the changes but hopeful new opportunities will blossom in their places.