I was walking Narberth's downtown today and I left with a sense of unease about the future of our business district. The storefronts of Hey Little Diddle, Mapes Card Shop, and a few other locations have been vacant for some time. Stein's and Tanaka Teien are closing. I worry about some of our anchor stores: American Family Market in particular. Over the past two years at least three former storefronts have been converted into offices.
We cannot stop change. However, I think our community needs to blaze its own path and not allow blind forces to forge it for us.
I've seen some promotion of a 'Shop Local' mantra though I am not confident it will have the needed impact. Who worries about these things in a way that can lead to positive things? our Mayor? business association? commercial landlords? I'm not sure.
Of course it is not all doom and gloom. Our business district remains vibrant, useful, and walkable. The openings of Ice Cafe, Cloth & Bobbin, and Aloha Style show that entrepreneurs still see potential here.
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