Wednesday, March 16, 2011

News Roundup: March 16, 2011

"Retail vacancy rate stable, and that's a good sign, survey says." NorthJersey.com (3/14)
The retail vacancy rate for northern and central New Jersey's prime shopping highways remains stuck at recession levels, although recent leasing activity indicates better numbers are ahead.
Could better numbers be ahead for other commercial areas?

"Pop-up retail gains favor in D.C. with Garment District, Mount Pleasant Temporium", The Washington Post (3/6)
Temporary 'retail boutiques' are an outgrowth of the D.C. Office of Planning's Temporary Urbanism initiative to transform vacant commercial space into lively destinations that highlight the retail potential in emerging neighborhoods.
Retail pop-up fills vacancies, creates buzz and gives local entrepreneurs a place to test their retail concepts.

"Dollar stores offer bigger bang for buck", San Diego Union-Tribune, (3/14)
John Sanchez had never stepped foot inside a dollar store until last April. That’s when he was laid off from his job and was forced to make some drastic budget cuts, including getting back to basics for a buck. Now, even though he’s returned to work, it’s hard to get him to shop anywhere else.
Dollar stores are frequently the scourge of neighborhood commercial district revitalization professionals. Are we overreacting?

"City’s Bicycle-Friendly Momentum On Path To Success", Long Beach Gazette, (3/14)
In its quest to achieve the coveted designation of “Most Bicycle-Friendly City in America,” Long Beach has kept the forward momentum of improvement and innovation cruising into 2011 — but not without a derailleur or two getting caught in the spokes along the path.
From East to West Coast, bike paths are increasingly controversial. Do they help or hurt neighborhoods and local businesses?

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