Another Shop on Main Bites the Dust!

[katysmom]

Well I found out that another shop on Main St will be closing. The toy shop in the Old Oak Square, It's All About Me will close by the end of the year. I hate to see another shop die in the square. I do know that Rudy's will be moving there and a new salon will open up in the old coffee shop. Not sure if those kinds of shops will draw women who want to shop little quaint boutiques. Also noticed not many people were in attendance during the day for the Sculpture on Main last saturday. Sad that local residents don't participate, may be lack of funds these days!

[carebear3774]

I think it is a lack of awareness. As local residents it is our responsibility to shop the stores downtown and eat at the restaurants here.

If we can't keep up our infrastructure what will bring the tourists in? The lake is great but you have to other things to do and places to eat. Let's be honest a city has to grow or it dies.

Whenever I have houseguests I take them directly downtown to shop and have lunch. There are art galleries and beautiful shops in our dowtown and most residents never go there. I understand that some of the shops are high end. But I still seem to find something little for myself (less than $20) everytime I go dowtown and I have had a wonderful day. I top it off with an ice cream cone from It's All About Me. It is a shame to loose so many of our downtown business.
Moral. Shop local.

[carebear3774]

Maybe the chamber and local businesses should get together and come up with an incentive to shop and attend local events. Like a 5 or 10 percent discount to residents on saturdays and on tickets to events. Everyone is trying to stretch dollars. May help. And ladies if you've never been to cowgirls and flip flops its a shop you should check out. I always stop by there when I want to treat myself to something. She has great flip flops and accessories. Her prices are reasonable. (Lots for $20 or dollars or less) its also a great place to buy gifts. FYI. I didn't go down there until this last year since she is on the block down but now I try to stop once a month for something for me!

[Caretaker]

I think it is a lack of awareness. As local residents it is our responsibility to shop the stores downtown and eat at the restaurants here.

If we can't keep up our infrastructure what will bring the tourists in? The lake is great but you have to other things to do and places to eat. Let's be honest a city has to grow or it dies.

Whenever I have houseguests I take them directly downtown to shop and have lunch. There are art galleries and beautiful shops in our dowtown and most residents never go there. I understand that some of the shops are high end. But I still seem to find something little for myself (less than $20) everytime I go dowtown and I have had a wonderful day. I top it off with an ice cream cone from It's All About Me. It is a shame to loose so many of our downtown business.
Moral. Shop local.



While i Agree with you 100% that locals should shop at home 1st (and in the future more will realize that this will become the trend for most citys or towns.)

I Disagree somewhat with you that a city has to Grow or it will die. Most people believe that a city has to grow Out in land mass for it to survive.Thats a false assumption.For years citys or towns used that methodology and what happened in virually Everycase is that the Internal areas became ran down and forgotten.People always want to chase after the next hip thing. People need to understand that growing internally is More important to whether a city lives or dies. Infrastructure is internal 1st. Example is main street and the old township areas.If they Repair or replace the Infrastructure in those areas the city would still be growing. You just wouldnt notice as much because it wont have the grand splender that the big mega malls have. As the economy keeps going south more people will wake up see that supporting what they already have is far more important than overall size.

I Do agree with you that you can find things on Main or other parts of town that are reasonably priced.The problem is getting more locals to realize that keeping it local is key to true Growth.

[mdarling]

Either The Picayune or the Highlander is sponsoring "20 on the 20th" shopping in Marble Falls. This will take place on November 20th and December 20th. There are a number of businesses that are participating; and you can get discounts or specials at all of them. You might want to check with the newspapers and find out what is going on and who is participating. It's been in the paper several times.

[gotitright]

I agree with the previous posts. I am sad to see the downtown area slowly painfully die. City council, the city chamber and local leaders need to take a close look at what is happening. I do not understand how such a charming city is failing....Leaders need to wake up and look at all of the problems and then take action.

I just returned from Canton Texas...a horrid little town that is prospering due to First Monday. Look it up...it is a monthly event that draws MANY to the area. The town is thriving.

Just look at Marble Falls. All that is drawing people here is the Lake and the beautiful hill country. Obviously that is not enough. There is NOTHING else to do here...Why not look at what will draw people here.

Look at this year.....Fireworks were cancelled.....LOUD Boat Races?????go figure...Market days a couple of times a year??? Look at the calendar...Nothing or at least very little.

Wake up Leaders...smell the coffee.....

[Sabrered]

With the unemployment rate exceeding 10% and forecast to go even higher, I think you will see a further erosion in discretionary income. People can live without buying clothing, jewelry, furniture, etc. That's why you see major retail chain stores and jewelers closing their doors. You can promote downtown all you want, but if a person has to make a choice of shoes or food, which do you think will take precedent!!

[Karenw66]

Does anyone know how well Moonlight Madness did this year? In years past, I've seen ads all over, banners over the streets, and lots of publicity. Not so much this year -- just curious what effect the "economy" had on shoppers, if any.

@Sabrered > Gotta tell ya -- yes, people can live without buying the extras, but not everyone does.

I know several people from this area that travel to Canton for 1st Monday (money for gas, lodging, food, AND shopping) And, many others that are in Austin or Georgetown almost every weekend. It's not necessarily that people aren't spending, it's that they are much more cost conscious. Look at some of the shops that have closed. Could it be that WHAT they're selling and the PRICE they're selling it for is the problem? There are many local shops that are suffering because there's just not a market for a $55 ceramic plate for displaying the 3/$40 topiary clusters. Merchandise can't be that expensive -- what is the profit margin on some of these items? Just sayin'...

[CurvyD]

It is not surprising to hear another shop is closing. 7 out of 10 retail dollars are spent at Wal-Mart and judging by the full parking lot nearly all the time, this stat probably holds true for our area as well. I know times are tough but when you spend money at small shops locally (even if it costs more) it actually multiplies throughout the city/region. No matter how much money I spend at Wal-Mart it will not increase the wages of their workers. I am challenged with shopping at small shops because they are generally not open late on Saturdays or at all on Sundays. Tomorrow is the car show on mainstreet, however and I plan to check out every shop uptown and buy some things.

[mdarling]

I get so frustrated with Wal-Mart. They undersell small shops in town, thereby running them out of business. Latest word is that Wal-Mart will remodel again in June and get rid of the fabric section. That will probably include the craft section, too. They just don't seem to care what the locals want--I mean really, how many TVs and computers can a person buy? Wish I could convince Hobby Lobby to open a store here. I've tried and they just keep telling me that a store needs to service a population of at least 50,000. Can't convince them that there are probably that many people in nearby towns and outlying areas. Guess I'll have to go to Austin/Georgetown/Round Rock for my craft and sewing supplies. It's just sad.

[jmerci]

I get so frustrated with Wal-Mart. They undersell small shops in town, thereby running them out of business. Latest word is that Wal-Mart will remodel again in June and get rid of the fabric section. That will probably include the craft section, too. They just don't seem to care what the locals want--I mean really, how many TVs and computers can a person buy? Wish I could convince Hobby Lobby to open a store here. I've tried and they just keep telling me that a store needs to service a population of at least 50,000. Can't convince them that there are probably that many people in nearby towns and outlying areas. Guess I'll have to go to Austin/Georgetown/Round Rock for my craft and sewing supplies. It's just sad.

Before you head to Williamson/Travis County, please do consider shopping at Barb's in Kingsland. They have added some items that they didn't carry before. Add a superb staff and a place where you can work on projects and you have something we never had with Wal-Mart. The fabrics are a little more expensive, yes, but... the quality is outstanding and anything you make from quality fabric is going to wear just that much better.

I quit shopping at Wal-Mart when I quit working there. I find better quality merchandise at the local stores for the same or even lower prices - especially when you consider the quality. Even if a shop doesn't reward me for doing business with them, I know I am spending my dollars wisely. And you are so right, mdarling -- it would never matter how much you spent at Wal-Mart. They will continue to pay their employees as little as possible and purchase poorly made merchandise as cheap as they can from overseas manufacturers. There is NO benefit to the local economy from this store.

I have been contacting Hobby Lobby for years, patiently explaining that we have 5 very active arts and craft guilds in the area that now have no place to buy their needs. If you consider the traffic that passes through on Hwy 281, I bet we get very close. Maybe if we all start a monthly campaign?

[CurvyD]

I spent the day shopping on Main and looking at the cool cars yesterday. We got ice cream cones at the shop in the center and I found some cute things for little holiday gifts at Cowgirls and Flipflops (Kathy, the owner is so nice and items very reasonably priced). I also shopped at Smartie Pantz and found a few things. Looked for clothes, but none to be found in my curvy size :) mostly small sizes and very expensive. Some belts were $100 and more. I know the stores need to make $ but I the markup is too high. The wholesale cost of the belts could not have been more than $25. I would have spent as much as $40. I ended up spending about $60 total but found also found some neat furniture that I may need in the future and it was reasonably priced. Merchants---think about your markup. is it better to sell 5 belts at $40 each or no belts at $100+ for example. Shoppers-take some time to check out the shops and you will be pleasantly surprised at times.

[CurvyD]

addendum----let's not look for giant stores to come here but join together to create some local alternatives. I have wanted to start a business but do not know what it should be-----Maybe clothing store for curvier women? How much interest is out there? How many locals would support me? Maybe we should form a co-op of sorts or a clothing exchange store where you bring in 3 things and get to take 3 things for a small fee (to cover admin and overhead). just thinking out loud ---thank you for "listening."

[mdarling]

jmerci--you're right. I love Barb's. There is also Embroidery Plus in Kingsland that has a small selection of fabric. I have no problem with prices at either shop--they are in line with other quilt stores. My point about Wal-Mart is that they do not care what we want, they are going to stock what they want. There is no place nearby to get crafting or knitting and crocheting supplies (that I know of). Yes, Barb's has some knitting supplies, but not a lot. I've been shopping and taking classes at Barb's since it opened. She has great teachers for beginners to advanced quilters and sewers.

[katysmom]

I just got a phone call from a friend that Papillon is closing. It was nice to have a place to pick up Bare Minerals make-up. The staff was very nice and it is sad to see so many places closing.:(

[mmorlino]

I've enjoyed reading this thread very much!

As alternatives to Walmart - can some people recommend stores?

My husband and I (and our 18 month old) have been here for 2 years in March. I'm a stay at home Mom but when I go out I go to HEB or Walmart - some place easy to lug my son around. Also, part of the problem is that I don't know any of these local places.

[KINGCHIP]

I've enjoyed reading this thread very much!

As alternatives to Walmart - can some people recommend stores?

My husband and I (and our 18 month old) have been here for 2 years in March. I'm a stay at home Mom but when I go out I go to HEB or Walmart - some place easy to lug my son around. Also, part of the problem is that I don't know any of these local places.

I'd have to advise to pick a pretty day with no time constraints, and go tour Main Street.

[intheloop]

The Historic Main Street Association is working vigorously to save downtown and has planned 25 events to encourage shopping downtown. At most of these events, many of the stores on main street offer discounts. In March, Meet on Main and 3rd on 3rd events will begin to encourage and increase the "shop local" mindset in Marble Falls.

[Primadonna]

Maybe I missed it upthread but the kitchen store in Old Oak Square is closing. Saw 30% off sign there today. Can't remember the name but it might be Zoo La La.

[mayflowers]

Personally I think it's the prices. These local shops are just too expensive.
One thing that would help is coupons. I use "buy one get one free" coupons when I can find them. These are mostly for the fast food restaurants. Maybe these shops could come up with something like that to bring customers in to their stores.
I am a bargain shopper. I walk into Wal-mart and scan the clearance sections.
I buy groceries at HEB and stock up on those "meal deals".
I shop for clothes at the thrift stores.
If those downtown shops want my business they'll have to give me bargains or coupons.

[KINGCHIP]

It's difficult for the small shops to compete with Wallyworld. They don't get the buying power, can't afford to take too many losses, and sell quality wares in the case of Zoo La La.

[katysmom]

Dear Mayflowers, I understand your a thrifty shopper and so am I but you are wrong in your statement about "all" the local shops being to pricey! Yes, you can go into Wal-mart and find a gift, say for a birthday party but then you have to spend $3-5 bucks on packaging. I have shopped many times on Main St. found a unique gift and I get a beautiful bag, tissue and ribbon included in the price! And the person who I bought the gift for loved the fact they didn't get a Wal-mart gift. These local shops are what gives a small town it's "flavor!" I get so tired of hearing local people say, "Oh, I have never even been down on Main St because I hear it's so pricey!" No, you can't get a designer pair of jeans, blouse, Bare Minerals Make-Up, Tyler Candles, Cuisenart Kitchen appliances or a sweet Bunnies By the Bay baby blanket at Wal-mart. And as a matter of fact, Kitchenaid appliances you get from Wal-mart are made FOR Wal-mart's price-points, they are not made of the same quality as the ones you get at say, Zoo La La or Williams Sonoma. These small "local" shops have to spend sometimes thousands of dollars to be able to carry these exclusive lines in their little shops and then are required to make large dollar re-orders to keep the line. It's very dis-heartening to see our Main Street dying. After all where will all of you bring your guests when they come to town and want to go shopping, Wal-mart , Lowes, Home-Depot or Walgreens?

[mdarling]

Thank you katysmom. Where else can you get hand-dipped chocolates (absolutely delicious), hand-dyed silk and cotton for quilting, hand-dyed and tie-dyed clothing and silk scarves, local art, and hand-made jewelry? And, it's just nice to stroll down Main Street on a sunny day. And the money stays in-town, not in China! It's nice when people show some interest in their own town.