A clever marketing campaign and the allure of a clean, attractive downtown are enticing new businesses to once-empty storefronts in one Lakeshore town. A vision for reserving storefronts for retail and restaurants could be a key factor in the city’s economic success.
According to excerpts from the story:
ZEELAND -- John and Sheryl Silva were looking for a space to expand their jewelry business and offer a goldsmithing trade school program. They found it in downtown Zeeland. Silva & Son Jewelry opened at 136 E. Main Ave., in the fall, and the Silvas say they have been pleased with the location.
"I like their whole push, for keeping it a strong local economy by supporting local businesses," said Silva, who also owns JP Gems & Jewelry in Holland. Silva & Son, which offers custom-made jewelry, is one of several businesses opening downtown.
A coffee shop, Mainstreet Beanery, is expected to open next week at 209 E. Main Ave., next to Don's Flowers & Gifts. The new shop is expected to fill a void left when the Sweet Bean coffeeshop closed last fall, said Doug Vos, owner of Don's Flowers and co-owner for the new shop with his wife, Ginny, and Scott and Jennifer Ludema.
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