Post by Rick (Admin) on Jul 25, 2013 12:46:44 GMT -5
Nine new businesses in downtown North Bay
The Downtown Improvement Area has recruited nine new businesses to move into the heart of the city.
Roger's Jewellers, My Thai Palace, KOI Chinese and Asian Cuisine, Blossoms Fresh Fruit Arrangements, 9 Lives Design Lounge, Mikawa Pottery, Opera Bakery Cafe and Treehouse Boutique.
Growing Up Green has recently moved to a larger downtown location.
For business owners like Mike Beauchesne, owner of Roger's Jewellers, the move to the downtown core made perfect business and financial sense.
“The rent for my Oak Street location was competitive, the downtown needed a jeweller, most of the established ones are located in the malls,” he said.
He said the efforts the DIA and the city have made to revitalize Oak Street also made it a lucrative location to set-up shop.
Beauchesne got his start in the business from his father Roger Beauchesne, who worked as a watchmaker.
He opened his first jewelry store in 1961 on Lakeshore Drive and retired in 2003.
Mike Beauchesne decided to take over the reins recently and left his job at a local car dealership.
“When dad retired I didn't want to take it over, but I think he's very happy now that I decided to reopen the business.”
Jeff Serran, executive director at the DIA, said Rogers Jewellers is one of many success stories.
He said businesses like Growing Up Green moved into the downtown core and less than a year in business was looking for a larger location.
Serran said work is being done at the former Delmar Restaurant, where My Thai Palace will soon be located.
“The business is doing very well in Sudbury and what they want to do with that downtown location in North Bay is amazing,” he said.
Although there is plenty of good news, there are still about 18 vacant locations.
The DIA recently announced Lefebvre's Source for Adventure and Vested Interest will not be returning to the downtown after a 2011 fire destroyed their businesses.
“The old Kresge building (located at the corner of Fraser and Main streets) is still owned, but they're trying to get a business in there. We attempted to try and get Giant Tiger in that location, because it's a great spot for a restaurant or retail location," Serran said, noting Giant Tiger decided to locate in West Ferris.
Serran said there are lots of reasons why businesses should consider moving or relocating to the downtown area.
“The waterfront is a definite attraction, affordable rent rates and hours of operation are not dictated," he said. “We have our challenges, but we really have a nice downtown.”