Turnover on Fountain Square: Local Businesses Share Concerns and Success Stories
In the heart of downtown Bowling Green, Fountain Square Park stands as a historical symbol and commercial hub. However, high turnover rates among businesses have sparked concerns among the local business community.
Historical Perspective and Current Scenario
Vibrant with a variety of enterprises such as a coffee shop, vintage clothing store, health food restaurant, and a candle store, Fountain Square Park has been featured in travel guides, local history books, and newspapers since its inauguration in 1872. Over its existence, the Square has played host to a myriad of businesses. However, there has been a disturbing trend of high turnover rates among businesses situated here.
Presently, more than 100 businesses are located on the Square and the adjacent streets, according to Telia Butler, downtown development coordinator. Butler envisions having a thriving downtown that caters to young professionals, growing families, and others seeking a vibrant Downtown experience.
A Tale of Two Businesses
Amber Brooks, owner of Becky Brooks Vintage, located at 432 E Main Avenue, recounted her journey of owning a physical store after a few successful years of selling clothes online. While the online business provided a buffer in financially testing times, the recurring high rents pose a challenge for the sustainability of her physical store.
Across the street from Becky Brooks Vintage, Emily Summar, the daughter of the owner of Candle Makers on the Square, shares a similar story. The Summars were thrilled to buy the candle shop from previous owners in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. Like Brooks, Summar expressed concerns regarding soaring rent prices and limited spaces. However, the process of discovering viable grants for financial support has proved to be a silver lining.
The 30 Bird: A New Addition
Freshly hatched in 2018, The 30 Bird is one of the newer additions to the community of downtown businesses. Serving an array of food options ranging from Whole30 Approved to vegan meals, The 30 Bird is trying to conquer challenges such as limited public awareness and rent issues, similar to its counterparts on the Square.
The Case of Spencer’s Coffee
Justin Shepherd, owner of Spencer’s Coffee, credits the longevity of his business to a flexible and innovative approach to customer service. From selling affordable luxuries to creating a space for customers to unwind, the business has managed to thrive despite challenges of high rents and limited parking spaces. According to Shepherd, businesses need to provide reasons for the community to frequent downtown and interact with their establishments regularly for maintaining the commercial vibrancy of the Square.
In conclusion, while the high turnover rates on Fountain Square, rising rents, and parking issues continue to pose challenges, the local business community’s resilience and innovative solutions promise a vibrant future for this historic part of Bowling Green.
