CHILLICOTHE — Have you ever wanted to open a brick-and-mortar store? If yes, look no further than Downtown Chillicothe. The several open storefronts offer a great location full of benefits to business owners.
As the downtown revitalization goal has continued new stores have come to the area with over 20 new stores joining the downtown in 2023. Currently, Tiffany Baldwin with Downtown Chillicothe, said there are still many spots available for retail spaces and offices.
As part of the downtown businesses are able to benefit from the beautification of the area as different organizations work to maintain a charming feel with decorations and flowers. This also means that storefronts that are part of the historic district must meet the design review board regulations that help showcase the history of Chillicothe.
Baldwin said one of the main benefits of opening a store downtown is the community that comes with it. As it is mostly unique shops with local owners, not large businesses, the downtown owners often work together to promote different shops and events.
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“It’s really a close-knit family,” said Baldwin. “You become part of the community.”
Local business owners also benefit from the programs and events in the area. For example, the DORA program encourages visitors to visit local shops after stopping in at one of the participating restaurants. Regular events, like Sand in the Streets and BrewFest, also encourage visitors to come downtown.
With many people looking for unique downtowns with different shops Young said that a downtown location offers great foot traffic. While the patterns may differ from other locations, like in a mall, stores downtown are less likely to get lost between bigger chains.
To see what locations in the area are for rent and for more information visit the Downtown Chillicothe website.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter@Shelby_Reeves_