Empty shop at 49 Main Avenue
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Rich Lepore, President of the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce, says that businesses in the Grove had a “good month” in December. He believes that the “sandy strip” resulted in a negative impact for Main Avenue businesses, but he is confident that the Middle Beach strip will be replaced by a new boardwalk in time for the summer season of 2014. Occupancy on Main Ave. remains excellent, except for one store noted above. There are individuals who are considering opening a new business at that location.
I asked Rich about an old issue in the Grove. Many people here still yearn for townie-friendly businesses such as a good deli, a news stand, a dry cleaners, or a barber shop, but Rich believes that the die is cast for more tourist oriented enterprises. It seems like many of the businesses that couldn’t make it in the past were those old-fashioned sorts of businesses. And to add to the dynamics, the year round population has diminished, and many home owners are gone in the winter, leaving the remaining shops to just get by until the next season. Even those who remain in the winter do not necessarily support the local shops. And then there is the economy—in miserable shape since 2008, but beginning to wake up lately.
And, every summer, the town of Ocean Grove seems to get more and more popular. As it gains popularity that way, certain kinds of businesses will be affected.
However, we have a prize for anyone who correctly predicts what will go in at 49 Main. Send us your guess (comment below). Please, one guess per guesser.
NANCY SINATRA “Sugar Town.”
The town needs a veterinarian (preferably homeopathic).
I hope Gingerbreads expands eastward into the space. Their store is so full of lovely things crammed together — more space would be great!
Just in case there are no suggestions how about a local FEMA headquarters at 49 Main?
Taco stand. They seem to be the only businesses thriving in the surrounding towns and would be a great addition to the downtown mix. Surf Taco, Fins
and a bunch of Mexican owned independents must be doing something right.
Perhaps, a health food/chile lunchenette open for lunch/dinner.
Jc
Maybe a candy and nut store… or a sweet shoppe… for the summertime visitors.
It should be noted that OG was the third location for Organic Style. Other two locations were in Asbury Park . First a space within Shoppes At The Arcade on Cookman and then an independent street level store on Cookman.
P.S. – Not sure I agree that the economy is ” beginning to wake up lately ” . I think it is still asleep.