Runner's High!

What will downtown Metuchen look like one year, five years, ten years from now? I really don't know. But given today's economic environment, business models, demographics, and the hours I have spent running around downtown speaking to businesses, customers, and people just walking on the sidewalks, here's what I think... Obviously the downtown will have restaurants, coffee shops, nail salons, beauty parlors, barber shops, massage therapy, and dry cleaners. There are enough people to support a supermarket and there is always a demand for convenience, pharmacy, and liquor stores. The big questions is: What type of retail stores would be successful? Malls, big box stores...all retail is being challenged by online shopping and will have to adapt to survive. There is a demand for specialty shops that offer expertise and a service, which brings me to Runner's High. One beautiful Sunday, I noticed that the restaurants downtown were busy, the convenience stores were open but not as busy as during the weekdays. Many stores and salons were closed, however Runner's High was open. The owner was busy helping a customer try on a pair of running shoes. Runner's High was open on Sunday because most of their customers work during the week and they need assistance and expertise when picking out running shoes. It is more convenient to go to a store with a large selection where you can try on the shoes, than it is to order them online and have to return them if they don't fit. Runner's High even lets their shoppers try out the shoes by running around the block! I own a very cute pair of sneakers (in the picture) that I bought from Runner's High that I love to wear. Runner's High does their own target marketing by using Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram, and advertising at races. Another example of a wonderful specialty shop is the Brass Lantern. Loyal customers drive great distances to enjoy the experience of wandering around a beautifully laid out and decorated store with an incredible selection of unusual merchandise. It smells and feels good to browse around that store! These are examples of the type of retail that should be successful in Metuchen's downtown, but let's be clear, it is not easy for these small business owners to survive. They work long hours and face incredible competition. Metuchen Downtown Alliance will be a taxing burden that the small businesses do not need. We already have a very active Chamber of Commerce that will grow because of the new retail space being built in town. Existing community organizations - government, non-profit, religious, volunteer - will be able to meet the ever-changing needs of what I am certain will be a vibrant downtown. Attend the Monday, May 2, 2016, 7:30 PM PUBLIC HEARING at Metuchen Borough Hall to voice your support for these small business owners and opposition to an unnecessary bureaucracy. SHOP, GET SERVICES, and DINE IN DOWNTOWN METUCHEN! Nancy E Jessen - I Love Brainy Boro