Tourists can't be only votes on downtown

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Sunday, August 05, 2007

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Local innkeepers came out with a good idea recently to give a boost to businesses in downtown Napa.

They said they plan to give their guests “Wish You Were Open” cards visitors could slip under the doors of downtown shops that were closed when they could have made a sale.

Nice idea, but we think local businesses could go one better by getting similar feedback from an even more important demographic — Napa residents. If we truly want downtown businesses to be local-serving and to balance the city’s shift towards tourism, a positive step would be for us to let them know that we will support them if they stay open later, keep Sunday hours to serve us and offer wares we need and like.

Two weeks ago, when the Register editorial board met with players related to the Chefs Market, the debate was about whether the market should continue on Friday nights. But the core question was how to create a sustainable downtown for retailers.

Restaurateurs have planted their flag and are doing well. That’s a big change from 10 years ago. But even those present at our meeting — jewelry store owner Kent Gardella, restaurant owner Greg Cole and downtown Merchant Association leader Craig Smith — admitted retail has lagged behind.

The reasons are several: Downtown Napa is still not out from under the threat of floods, though flood control work has now reached nearly to First Street. Local retailers include mom and pops who may not have the deep pockets, the business savvy or both to stay open late and make it work; the empty spaces dotting downtown slow the area from reaching critical mass; downtown doesn’t have an anchor store to drive shoppers.

Little by little some of these problems are being solved. Stand on the Third Street Bridge, watch the riverfront promenade come to life, and you can’t help but get excited about it. Look at the rapidly rising fingers of metal that form the roof of the Oxbow Market, and it is easy to picture the place buzzing. See Yarns on First, Wildcat or Anette’s offer distinct lines of goods and create a sense of community among patrons, and you can see the benefits of returning regularly.

This week, the Question of the Week on napavalleyregister.com is whether you would support downtown merchants if they stayed open later.

The answer to that question is a key to downtown’s success. But it is just part of the picture.

In order for downtown to thrive, merchants need more than the feedback from the B & B guests in town. They need to hear from those of us who live, work, shop and in Napa, and sleep here every night.

4 comment(s)

I think wrote on Aug 5, 2007 12:18 PM:

" they have to get better stores, a more upscale clothing/dept store, and more than that they need a Borders or Barnes & Noble with a big coffee bar. That is the kind of store that a lot of both locals and tourists would go and hang out at and then in turn feed other stores. More than restaurants are needed. All you have to do is look at neighboring cities like Healdsburg or Walnut Creek that have thriving nice downtown areas. I would love to see that come to Napa. "

mykdgirl54 wrote on Aug 5, 2007 2:01 PM:

" I completely agree with the last comment. The only way to help smaller local based shops is by adding "flag ship" or more familiar retail stores. Successful downtown cities (pleasanton, ca, walnut creek, ca, and palo alto, ca) are widely popular throughout the bay area due in large part to the town's ability to provide suistainable parking, lighting, safety, and ambiance with a diverse selection, and name-brand retail shops. For instance in Palo Alto,CA they have a Cheesecake Factory across the street from a local jeweler who has been in business for more than 40 years. And across from a Borders that is cleverly hidden inside of a historic downtown hotel, is a rug and consignment shop. The outline for a sucessful downtown area is in place here in napa. We have the river, beautiful historic buildings, and the population. I don't understand why the city dosen't market to retailers to draw them in? Napans are waiting with checkbooks in hand! Lets just hope it dosen't take too long! "

More citizen Thinkers needed wrote on Aug 5, 2007 2:56 PM:

" I agree. Downtown needs more local support for the downtown merchants. The trick is for the merchants to visit neighboring up-scale areas and see what kind of stores are succesful. Downtown Sonoma and Mill Valley are great examples of quality stores that draw the type of customer that the future patrons of the up-scale Ritz- Carlton and current B&B tourists would expect. Big chain stores like Barnes and Noble are good, but to depend on the chains will only result in the same kind of store that every other developing community is after. Very unique retail is the key. I have been waiting to see when the old Up-Town theater will finally be finished. This is one example of a unique business for Napa that would be great for locals and tourists! We need a diverse mix of businesses. "

smartplanner wrote on Aug 5, 2007 8:27 PM:

" Downtown Napa need more residential units planned in a mixed use format. Not until there are residents living downtown 24/7 will the service retail shops survive. "

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