Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Many of shops on the downtown mall are feeling the pressure from the economy and having to close their doors for good.

As people walk the downtown mall in Charlottesville, they might notice some of their favorites shops are gone or closing. The owners tell us they simply can't afford to stay open anymore.

For the past ten years, Innisfree has used their downtown store to promote fair trade and to bring crafts made by local people with intellectual disabilities to Charlottesville.

"Over the last three or four years we found it much more difficult to keep our head above water with the economy and how things were going," said Wes Andrew, Associate Director of Innisfree.

And after trying to stay open, Andrews says the non-profit will have to close in late January.

"It's a shame because I know a lot of customers were really upset by the thought of us leaving and not being a part of the downtown community like we have been for so many years. It is a little disappointing but there's not much we can do about it," said Andrews.

Innisfree is not alone. Many downtown shops have been forced to make changes. The Sage Moon Gallery is moving in with Siips Wine and Champagne Bar.

"I think that with the times the way they are now that's what people have to do. We're not going to give up. We're not leaving the mall. We're staying on the mall. Right now we just have to pull in a little bit and make the magic in a smaller space for a while," said Morgan MacKenzie Perkins, co-owner of the Sage Moon Gallery.

Bob Stroh of the Downtown Business Association says the people of Charlottesville are in a position to help.

"We would encourage people to do what we've been encouraging people to do for years is shop local and support your local businesses. That is how the local businesses are going to survive and thrive in this type of economy," said Stroh.

The Downtown Business Association has plans for block parties in the new year to spotlight each section of the downtown mall. All in an effort to get more people to shop there.