Your Turn
Should grocery and convenience stores in Kansas be allowed to sell full-strength beer and liquor?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I'm not sure

Suggest a poll topic
CALENDAR

Send your events to
The Herald at
news@ottawaherald.com

DIGITAL EDITIONS
News-A01


The Herald
for subscribers

Special-A01


Free
Latest Herald
Special Section

DisplayAds-A01


Free
The Shopper

Friday, November 13, 2009 11:00 AM

Main Street lined with success stories, not just store vacancies

By LINDA BROWN, Herald Staff

While it’s true that in the four short blocks between the South Main Street corners of First and Fifth Streets there are more than a dozen vacant commercial properties, there also are more than 90 businesses that occupy downtown Ottawa.

Heidi Kingsolver, owner of Ottawa Paint Co., 109 S. Main St., says she can’t imagine being in business anywhere besides downtown.

“I grew up in downtown retail,” she said. “My mom was a retail manager downtown, so it’s home to me.”

Familiarity isn’t the only reason Kingsolver stays in downtown Ottawa.

“As comfortable as I am here, the other reason I won’t move is because my building is paid for,” she said. “That makes a huge difference.”

Cathy Sutton, owner of Sutton’s Jewelry, 207 S. Main St., said her business has been in downtown Ottawa since 1969, and downtown is where she plans to stay.

“It’s safe here,” she said. “Plus, this is where the people are. I love the camaraderie of my friends and business acquaintances walking downtown. Downtown is a huge draw for lots of people.”

A second-generation business, Sutton said her downtown building has the signature look that represents her store.

“Our whole look is based on this location,” she said. “It wouldn’t be Sutton’s Jewelry if we weren’t in this building.”

Despite the economy, both Kingsolver and Sutton say their businesses are holding their own and doing well.

“All things considered, we’re doing well,” Kingsolver said. “I feel very fortunate that I’m in a ‘need’ business rather than a ‘want’ business.”

Sutton also thinks her business is in a strong position.

“People aren’t buying jewelry,” she said. “But, I’m fine because I offer other jewelry services. Also, I planned well. I saw things start to taper off in 2001, and I acted accordingly. If I hadn’t, it would be an entirely different story.”

E-mail this to a friend | Print Text | | Enjoy home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.