Let's promote small businesses in Midtown

At our meeting last night, several members of the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association's board of directors commented that what we need in Midtown Omaha is more retail. The conversation was sparked by talking about a proposed pharmacy just a few blocks away -- and the consensus that with 18+ pharmacies already in the neighborhood, we probably don't need another. But we do need retail.

As a small business owner, I think what we need are retail stores that are locally owned. All we need to do to see an example of how these small businesses can drive an economy is to look at Omaha's Old Market. While there are a couple of chain restaurants in the Old Market, there aren't any chain retail stores (at least, I don't think there are). These small businesses -- and the combination of shopping, dining and entertainment -- help boost the entire city's economy. What could that combination do for Midtown?

We have a number of small businesses in Midtown, of course, but they are primarily service-oriented. Even at the new Midtown Crossing development, most of the commercial space is devoted to service businesses.

What would it take to draw retail to Midtown? How can we encourage small and locally owned retail operations in our neighborhood?

I know the people who stay with us at The Cornerstone would frequent those businesses, just like they frequent our neighborhood restaurants and bars. While that wouldn't be enough business to support a retail store, I think the trend here is clear. People who are attracted to this type of neighborhood clearly want to spend their money as close to home as possible.

There are lots of groups being formed under the banner of a "Buy Local" campaign. So far, I haven't seen any of them do anything significant to encourage small businesses to open their doors and then grow. What can they do to encourage this type of business? What can the city do?

The money is here. Now bring us a way to spend it close to home.