Downtown Kent’s Businesses Pushing Forward Despite Weak Economy
Since March, the whole country has been dealing with the effects of COVID-19, and with much uncertainty on when things will return to normal, it is leaving economic burdens for business owners. Locally, in the city of Kent, business owners and the city are trying to find ways for businesses to generate revenue despite Fall, and eventually winter, leading to less foot traffic and no available outdoor seating.
A large part of Kent’s downtown business comes during the school year from its students at Kent State University. The school has decided to send their students home and transition completely online after Thanksgiving break.
“With the university back in, it is noticeable. I know the university is not at a hundred percent in terms of how many students are there, but there’s a lot of faculty and staff and supporting people that come into our shop.” Said Mike Mistur, part-owner of Bent Tree coffee.
Main Street Kent, a non-profit organization, focuses on the revitalization of downtown Kent has helped businesses grow, and is working on issues for local businesses during these challenging times.
One of the most significant improvements the city, Main Street Kent, and the state has made for businesses recently has been the creation of DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas) and available outdoor seating the city seats up on weekends.
According to Tom Wilke, Kent’s Director of Economic Development, and long-time board member of Kent’s Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Kent, DORA was put into effect in July to ensure spacing among customers of local businesses.
“The purpose of putting up tables for both the DORA and outdoor eating was to make a lot of people to feel safe and secure when coming downtown and getting food and beverage, and to social distance from each other.” Said Wilke.
Last Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine upgraded Portage County to a level three-county in terms of COVID cases, suspending DORA for a week. As of Thursday, September 24, the county has been downgraded back to a level two, which will end the suspension.
Business owners are hopeful that foot traffic will continue in downtown Kent for now and into the winter.
“We get a decent amount foot traffic and I think a lot of people are on foot more. I think there’s been more foot traffic to summer than we’ve ever had before.” Said Mistur
Main Street Kent is always looking for new ways to involve its residents with its local businesses. With winter approaching and cold weather reducing foot traffic, Main Street Kent is doing what it can to keep its residents shopping within the city.
“It is going to be a challenge as we get into colder weather. We have a quarterly publication called the Tree City Bulletin that we send out to all the residents of Kent. One of the things that both main street Kent and I really stress in that is an appeal to the residents to support our local businesses.” Said Wilke.
With help from the City’s Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Kent, local business owners are finding ways to keep their customers while adapting to new business practices.
“We have Yelp set up. So, a lot of people do not have to physically come in to get a table, you can actually just join online or from your phone to see if a table is available for you.” Said Shannon Zemba, part-owner of Over Easy Morning Café.
Through mobile applications and online ordering, restaurants and other local businesses rely on electronic sales. Using the online ordering, Off the Wagon Shop, a toy and gift shop located in downtown Kent’s Acorn Alley, has been encouraging online sales.
“Over the summer, we did not have as many families come in, that was a little bit hard. But our internet (online) business has been growing, however, so that’s kind of offset what we’ve been losing as far as income from the store.” Said Annie Carver, store manager of Off the Wagon.
For now, Main Street Kent is confident it can help its business with its strong online social media presence and research into different marketing strategies like loyalty programs for future shopping in downtown Kent.
