Over the years Allentown has had some great victories and some serious pitfalls. Businesses have come and gone at a feverish pitch. A number of businesses have managed to make a go of it, and they are shining the light for others to join in to create what should be a thriving commercial district. When a new storefront comes up for grabs, nearby business owners and residents are overwhelmed with mixed emotions. “Are we going to get another salon,” they ask. “Or are we going to get a unique retail store?”
Then, there’s always the quandary, “If we get a retail shop, will people support it?” Unlike Elmwood and Hertel, Allentown has always been a bit more aloof when it comes to organizing – whether it’s being proactive when soliciting businesses or creating marketing initiatives. Of course there have been some successes in that department, but not enough to create a unified front.
Some say that until The City gets going with an infrastructure project, Allentown will always be held back from its full potential. Others blame the building owners who don’t market their empty storefronts and then jump at the first chance to lease the spaces.
Whatever the answer is, as UB and the Medical Campus continue to grow, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But some businesses don’t want to stick around and wait. That’s why a new Facebook page has launched (see here) that is rallying the troops. The FB page is intended to promote existing businesses and solicit new businesses.