The Observation Deck

Madison and Detroit Avenues in Lakewood see rise in retail occupancy
Posted by kspirgen December 16, 2008 15:25PM
Categories: Breaking News
Both Detroit and Madison Avenues have seen fewer empty storefronts in recent months thanks to an influx of new retail businesses.

According to a quarterly report from the city's department of planning and development, 87 percent of storefronts on Detroit Avenue are currently occupied and 82 percent of those on Madison Avenue are in use, a three percent increase for the second consecutive quarter.

"We want to have a full retail presence on the street from 9 to 5 and 5 to 9 after people get out of work," said Nathan Kelly, city director of planning and development, adding that the city's night life is already vibrant. "We want retail besides just lunch and dinner so we're looking for services and retail, and making sure we're targeting the right price range and the appropriate demographic."

Lakewood's population of young adults aged 24 to 30 is one of the largest in the state which is attractive to businesses looking for populations with disposable income, as is the city's high overall population density, 51,000 residents in 5.6 miles.

According to Mary Anne Crampton,executive director of LakewoodAlive, the city is also looking to enhance the mix of retail services from national, regional, local and independent companies throughout Lakewood, but especially in the downtown area.

"We're doing a better job of getting the city out there," Crampton said. "We're building on the assets that we already have."

This is nice news! Thanks for pointing it out.

That is good news John and I notice it when I drive up and down Madison and Detroit! I did as much of my Christmas shopping as I could here in Lakewood and hope that many did to keep the businesses open! If new businesses are popping up here without any incentives from the city or other groups, imagine that we could fill them up if Lakewood could offer any incentives!

After recent trips to Willougby, Columbus and Chicago and hitting their small-shop retail areas I will tell you what I noticed:

1. I didn't see as much evidence of the recession as people were out and shopping at these shops.
2. Areas that had people out walking and shopping at the local shops had squeaky clean sidewalks and streets, parking nearby so people could park, walk, shop, eat, etc. in close quarters.
3. Lit up beautiful areas with classy holiday lights and sometimes piped in music.
4. A variety of shops, coffee or tea spots, really good eateries with waiting lines, etc.
5. A surprising variety of trendy, clean,and affordable second hand clothing stores that were busy with shoppers-in Columbus AND Chicago amongst the midst of other specialty shops!

I did not see any chains and sorry but don't think people will come into Lakewood to shop for a chain, (unless it is something local and smaller like Beer Engine or Melt). In fact they aren't even going to malls for that as evidenced by the sales to bring people in. People that I talked to were going there for the charm and uniqueness of the shops. I was shocked to see so many trendy "urban yuppies" shopping at the second hand shops too but with the economy and with the focus on recycling, it makes sense! And Lakewood has a pretty good variety of second hard shops on both avenues!
To continue to attract people from other areas to come into Lakewood to shop, visit, spend money, we have it all, so tightening areas along Madison and Detroit with filled shops, parking, art, (lights and piped in music would be nice) and incentives for more businesses to open AND all the help businesses need to STAY open which also means patronizing them ourselves, etc. and Lakewood will continue to withstand the economy crisis, young people will continue to fall in love with its uniqueness and affordable housing, and things will be better for everyone.