DAYTON, Tenn. — Business owners expressed concern to MainStreet Dayton members that downtown renovations haven’t produced the profit they anticipated.
At a recent meeting, Jennifer Beam, owner of Paint the Town Pottery, said many small-business owners want to know “the outcome of the renovations” as far as added business for them.
“Our goal is to bring business to your stores,” MainStreet Chairman Randy Wells said.
For months, many downtown Dayton business owners have struggled with decreased sales. At least three have closed or moved away from the downtown area in hopes of revitalizing their profits.
Street stamping — the placement of a paver design in the crosswalks — installing better-quality benches around the courthouse, erecting a welcoming archway over Main Street and doing landscaping work are among the recent downtown improvements.
In 2011, MainStreet Dayton’s design committee will begin revamping area parking lots with better signs and landscaping for more accessibility to customers in the downtown area, according to the organization.
MainStreet board members said their goal is to benefit the community, but that participation by business owners “is key.”
Several store owners have added to their inventory or offered discounts to boost revenue.
Eva Cruver, owner of The General Store, said she is planning to offer more food items and add extra seating for diners.
Beam said she’s offering 30 percent-off discount cards to her customers.
MainStreet Dayton now is passing out $5 gift cards every week to the first 10 people to visit the Rhea County Welcome Center off Highway 27 in Dayton. Gift cards can be used at participating members until Dec. 24.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net
FOR MORE INFO
To learn more about MainStreet Dayton or available properties, call Anna Tromanhauser at 423-775-9847.