What has happened to Main Streets in the U.S.A.? I've lived in numerous towns and cities and have visited many more, and the problem is pretty much the same -- empty buildings which once were home to local businesses and services.
Gentry has its share. Decatur's had its empty buildings. And Gravette's Main Street is looking pretty empty these days.
People almost everywhere I've lived and residents in other towns with whom I've spoken are looking for ways to revitalize empty Main Streets but most, it seems, haven't found the answer. The buildings which were once homes to busy clothing stores, general mercantiles, drug stores, grocery stores and more are setting empty and, in some cases, deteriorating to the point of no return.
What is the answer? It has become quite obvious that small "mom and pop" type stores usually cannot compete with the giant super centers. Often, they cannot even buy products at wholesale for much less than the giants sell at retail. And, when shop owners are competitive in price, it's still a hurdle to overcome the trends of today's shoppers who seem to prefer to go to the mega centers with the newest stores and the biggest and fanciest displays of merchandise.
That probably means local Main Streets will not be able to compete in the same markets as the super centers unless, as Randy Bever has done in Gentry, they buy up a number of store buildings for merchandise space and are a part of a major chain which allows them to meet or beat the prices of the big supermarket stores.
Some other Main Street stores competing with the mega stores continue to thrive because they offer a better product or better and more personalized service than the mega stores do.
What about the other empty buildings? Is there a solution?
Many have tried new businesses and a good many of those have failed.
One key to success -- at least from my limited understanding -- is to have a business idea and plan which is unique and marketable. In other words, a Main Street business needs to find a niche not already filled by the mega centers and shopping malls. That means items offered for sale and services rendered cannot be the same as shoppers can easily obtain anywhere else.
Yet, such specialization can also restrict market potential, and entrepreneurs need to use care to make sure there is a sufficient potential customer base or a way to reach a large enough base to make a business profitable.
And services offered? They either need to be unique or of noticeably better quality than the big competitors.
One thing I've noticed and written about in regard to Gentry's Main Street is the number of flea markets and second-hand stores now open. Even though the stores are competitors, the fact that so many are located in close proximity can have the positive effect for all of bringing in potential customers who enjoy browsing for treasures in second-hand shops. Why? Because people can go from shop to shop without a lengthy drive and make a few hours or a day of it in one place if they like.
While not every town can do it, some cities and towns have revitalized Main Streets by creating a special atmosphere where visitors can shop, eat, enjoy coffee or a soft drink, or just relax and visit. Often the creation of such destinations requires the collaboration and cooperation of all the town's businesses to bring in some special and unique features to attract visitors.
I don't know whether the business is successful or not, but the rental of bicycles and pedal carriages in Siloam Springs might be one such special feature which could attract visitors.
Events, too, can attract visitors and business, but occasional events and activities probably aren't enough to sustain a business or businesses from day to day throughout the year.
So, is there an answer? If so, I'd like to hear it. Are there some great ideas out there for businesses, services, attractions? Send a letter or note. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He can be contacted by email at [email protected].
Editorial on 05/07/2014