Catching up on a few older items in this blog post. As pointed out by a reader email, the Union County Dance Centre last month moved out of its Irving Street location (photo at left) to a new home in Linden. Showfur Pets also vacated its East Cherry Street location.
As far as newcomers, it looks like Edward Jones Investments will be moving into one of the commercial spaces at Carriage City Plaza, next to the former Mr. G’s Coffee. Signage has been up for awhile but interior work appears to be progressing.
Since we’re on the topic of retail/commercial vacancies and I’ve been meaning to post this link for weeks, here’s a write-up on nj.com (“Pint-sized Gem: Kitchen a la Mode”) about a tiny, specialized kitchen store in downtown South Orange. It goes back to the types of niche stores and merchants that a downtown needs or wants, something Rahway surveyed a few years ago.
And in another look at what other towns are doing, Metuchen has started offering 10 minutes of free parking downtown. The Rahway Parking Authority reinstituted parking meters downtown last summer but the parking deck offers up to 30 minutes free.
Here’s a piece in Philanthropy Journal (“Nonprofit theaters see financial upswing”) that examines two reports about nonprofit theaters. One reports theaters are rebounding slightly from budget cuts yet many still expect cash flow problems this year, while the other indicates theaters still face staff reductions and changes, including smaller shows and casts and greater reliance on local talent.
There’s also this story from nj.com last month about some arts groups cutting back schedules or closing altogether.
Mark, I've been to Kitchen A La Mode, and while it is a fine store, the prices for products there are insanely expensive. Kitchen gadgets that cost a few bucks at Target sell for $30+ at the store in South Orange. I don't think an overpriced culinary store is gonna attract Rahway shoppers.
For myself and my family, we'd love to see an organic food co-op someplace downtown. I'd much rather walk to get quality produce and dry goods rather than having to drive into Woodbridge (Wegman's) or Westfield (Trader Joe's).
Did Gino's Pizza close as well?
Fair point, Mr. Rahway. I haven't visited Kitchen A La Mode but it struck me as the niche merchant that the Rahway Survey seemed to want to pursue.Anon, Gino's Pizza did not close as far as I know. I recall signage was absent for a bit but I noticed a new one when I walked by the other day.
I don't know if you have ever been to Queens but they have a great fish market and it does a ton of business. It sells fresh fish and also crab salad etc..Also I agree with Quiltilicious, a decent organic food place that also sells flowers would benefit.