SYDNEY — Interest in retail space in downtown Sydney seems to be increasing.
More new businesses have opened since the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Nova Scotia than closed and Sydney Downtown Development Association executive director Michelle Wilson said there's signs this will continue.
Not only has she been noticing an increase in phone inquiries about leasing availability, she's holding a few meetings a week with potential new downtown Sydney property owners.
Plus, 70 people who responded to a retail survey the association currently has open indicated they'd like to have businesses in downtown Sydney."There are a slew of email addresses to follow up with," Wilson said.
"Some businesses have been flat out busy and others not as much ... it depends on what you're offering, how people can access it," said Wilson.
NEW BUSINESSES OPEN
On Paper Books opened in December and not only did the book store deal with stay-at-home orders, their first location was the bottom floor of a building which was destroyed by a fire on March 27 — a week after the health orders were issued.
Luckily owners Donald Calabrese and Alison Uhma were still renovating and hadn't moved in the wide selection of books they'd been collecting for years.
On Paper Books is now located at 311 Charlotte St. and along with a wide selection of books there's a book club hosted on a regular basis. People can find out more on their Facebook page.
No Quarter Pasta Bar opened on Oct. 15 and the traditional Italian pasta restaurant is an extension of No Quarter Deli and Market a few doors down the block. Located at 191 Charlotte St., No Quarter Pasta Bar now offers menus of four courses for a set price along with their regular menu, which is created by the owner. The first one launched on March 5.
The Shooze Warehouse opened on Dec. 10 and is located at 240 Charlotte St. There are two floors of footwear at discounted prices for men, women, youth and children. Some big brand names are in stock like Hunter, DC Shoes and Toms.
RETAIL SURVEY RESULTS
Wilson said she is blown away by the responses they continue to receive to the retail survey they've had open for two weeks.
As reported in the Cape Breton Post on Feb. 23, 12 hours after it was launched, 500 people had responded to the survey and its social media reach was more than 12,000.
Now, 1,600 people have responded to the survey, with many indicating they want more retail options in downtown Sydney.
"I think it just goes to show how much people want to see our downtown succeed."
Wilson said after the survey closes the association will determine its next steps but they plan to work with partners and property owners to diversify the downtown Sydney business community.