The boro is losing more businesses

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-04...

How about instead of blaming the economy, we look at the few hours these places are open. The people with money are not in this area except after 7PM on weeknights and all day on the weekends. Plus Broad street has no draw. There is no foot traffic there at all. At least I can still have the gallery do my framing through the Q-Mart.

The glass place closed because of HIGH prices and a snooty attitude.

The travel place closed, the owner retired and moved away.

The consignment shop is closing because the rent is too high.

The Salon by Fischers left because of rent increases.

The downtown area has run down, poorly maintained rental properties and they want $20 PSQ for substandard facilities and toilets that haven't been replaced in over 20 years and are filthy.

The properties available are not handicapped accessible, a prime concern these days.

They are trying to rent dilapidated buildings and storefronts at sky high prices.

When the by pass goes through, all foot traffic will stop and all that will be left is the supermarket, drugstore and laundramat to service the walking elderly.

Someone must have a vision of a viable down town area, who's working on these things. People will not rent crap and will NOT put in extensive renovations to a rental property.

The board that wants landlords inspected should start with these empty and existing stores.

PS Karltons has become any eyesore they need to spiff up their place, it's much nicer to go around the corner for breakfast and not have cars schreeching by....another problem...speeding through the lights on Broad St.

GlassEye wrote:

The glass place closed because of HIGH prices and a snooty attitude.
The properties available are not handicapped accessible, a prime concern these days.

That's because half of Quakertown is crippled.

QAlive meets and talks a big game, but the changes are not very impressive. We dont need trees and new sidewalks, we need actual businesses that people want to visit.

As for the Karlton cafe, I lost all respect for that place a month ago when I saw an employee go out front to have a smoke. Show some class people.

Have a Purpose wrote:

QAlive meets and talks a big game, but the changes are not very impressive. We dont need trees and new sidewalks, we need actual businesses that people want to visit.
As for the Karlton cafe, I lost all respect for that place a month ago when I saw an employee go out front to have a smoke. Show some class people.

What is so classless about smoking? Would you have rather them stay inside? And really that''s all it takes to lose all respect. That's dumb.

No problem at all with smoking. How about going outback and hiding it from the patrons. Do you think an upscale rest. would put up with behavior like that? Absolutely not.

Bucks County Resident wrote:

No problem at all with smoking. How about going outback and hiding it from the patrons. Do you think an upscale rest. would put up with behavior like that? Absolutely not.

Since when is the center of Quakertown upscale? Maybe we could spend the night at the luxurious Bush Motel, and judge that, since it is only a block away.

Skunktaster wrote:

<quoted text>
What is so classless about smoking? Would you have rather them stay inside? And really that''s all it takes to lose all respect. That's dumb.

I own a hairsalon and I instruct my staff who smoke to do so in the rear of the building. It is just unbecoming to have people hanging out by the front door doing anything.

The downtown needs more consumer friendly stores that are open nights and weekends. I am open Sat and 3 nights a week. If I weren't I would have no business.
Trees and Sidewalks would be great but it is only a start. In the 7 years I have been here very little has changed.I know the volunteers at QA are trying but it takes more than 2 street festivals (featuring crafters and artisans from out of town ) to draw people out

Skunktaster wrote:

<quoted text>
Since when is the center of Quakertown upscale? Maybe we could spend the night at the luxurious Bush Motel, and judge that, since it is only a block away.

I sure know its not, but the people around here think of it as one of the nicer ones. Hence, they should strive for a higher standard.

Its easy to sit back, complain and mope about how crappy the downtown is, the lack of business hours, good stores to draw people and knock QA Alive.

It is a long drawn out process that involves the community. How many of you on here have actually been to a design meeting, or any QA meeting for that matter? How many of you have volunteered to plant trees, flowers or water them so they don't die and look terrible downtown. Someone has to do it. I can say this, i have been to the meetings, brought ideas to the table and I have posted meeting dates on here so don't say "I didn't know about the meeting or time.

Stop complaining and become pro-active. What can you do for YOUR community.

Also, there are so many legal issues to do anything. This is what i was told. It takes a ton of time to do a small task and a longer time before it's even noticed by people in Quakertown.

Before you criticize, get involved.

If you have a skill....VOLUNTEER it, bring something, anything to the table.

Goodluck

More complainers wrote:

Its easy to sit back, complain and mope about how crappy the downtown is, the lack of business hours, good stores to draw people and knock QA Alive.
It is a long drawn out process that involves the community. How many of you on here have actually been to a design meeting, or any QA meeting for that matter? How many of you have volunteered to plant trees, flowers or water them so they don't die and look terrible downtown. Someone has to do it. I can say this, i have been to the meetings, brought ideas to the table and I have posted meeting dates on here so don't say "I didn't know about the meeting or time.
Stop complaining and become pro-active. What can you do for YOUR community.
Also, there are so many legal issues to do anything. This is what i was told. It takes a ton of time to do a small task and a longer time before it's even noticed by people in Quakertown.
Before you criticize, get involved.
If you have a skill....VOLUNTEER it, bring something, anything to the table.
Goodluck

I have and I do

More complainers.....The other stores in this area dont ask me to come and do work for them so they can sell product (and profit). They are new, large, clean, and have plenty of parking, better hours, and better selection....why wouldn't I buy products there? No wonder the small businesses cant compete, its just the way things are these days.

I think if downtown businesses were open later, and if police patrolled on foot, more people would feel safe walking downtown at night. A few years ago I would walk down that area by myself at night but not now. Sorry to say but it can be scary! There are a lot of dark areas, and the only place really open at night is Rosemaries.

Safety is not my concern. Lets say I wanted to go have dinner tonight(Monday) at 6PM at the new Bistro on Front street. Finish dinner then shop on Broad street at 7:15 PM. What could I buy, who would be open? Yet every big box store as some of you call them will be open till 9:30. And you wonder why they survive longer and attract more clientel.

I think it is two fold...businesses will not stay open later because they did that in the past and sat there with a few stragglers coming in. The big businesses have more stuff attracting more people. It is tough with the big guys in town. I honestly would rather shop somewhere not as busy and maybe a little more personal. Honestly there are some weirdos who work late hours at the big stores....

Bucks County Resident wrote:

Safety is not my concern. Lets say I wanted to go have dinner tonight(Monday) at 6PM at the new Bistro on Front street. Finish dinner then shop on Broad street at 7:15 PM. What could I buy, who would be open? Yet every big box store as some of you call them will be open till 9:30. And you wonder why they survive longer and attract more clientel.

I have to agree with the other poster. You only complain.

Regardless of what you believe we're not all **** ing stupid around here. Many people realize the challenges of competing with the convenience and selection of box stores. You demonstrate your mastery of the obvious with your comments while adding zero insight. You are the atypical transplant to the area. Get a clue as to why the natives don't like you.

How about enlightening the masses here. As a downtown store owner who takes pride in their community how would you promote your store and the downtown? You need to stay open late; create a reason for people to park and stroll downtown, and make the experience enjoyable enough that patrons will want to tell friends and return.(DUH that obvious) All this while paying for daily overhead. Come on genious. Stop blowing hot air and do something besides whine like a Jersey girl. Let's hear you well thought, comprehensive strategy for saving Q'town

I own a very successful business thank you. Just not in the retail sector. You own the business on Broad street, you make it happen. I'll buy product where I see fit, as the rest of the patrons in the area. If you cant, maybe you should have set up shop in the new Target or Wal Mart shopping center. Thats where the people are flocking too.

Bucks County Resident wrote:

I own a very successful business thank you. Just not in the retail sector. You own the business on Broad street, you make it happen. I'll buy product where I see fit, as the rest of the patrons in the area. If you cant, maybe you should have set up shop in the new Target or Wal Mart shopping center. Thats where the people are flocking too.

Again, No substantial contribution to the overall situation. Only snobbish comments on how you are effected.

I dont even consider the downtown because they have nothing I need (books, glass work, etc). However I will always go to Kulp jewelers because they have the best quality in the area. But I only buy something there once a year. You would think the downtown revitalization would want to mimic Doylestown or Bethlehem.

Shopper wrote:

I dont even consider the downtown because they have nothing I need (books, glass work, etc). However I will always go to Kulp jewelers because they have the best quality in the area. But I only buy something there once a year. You would think the downtown revitalization would want to mimic Doylestown or Bethlehem.

What qualities of Doylestown/Bethlehem do you find attractive that could be employed in the Q'town area?