CHILLICOTHE — Have you ever wanted to open a brick-and-mortar store? If yes, look no further than Downtown Chillicothe. With multiple open stores, this is a great location with plenty of benefits for business owners.
As downtown revitalization goals continue, new stores will come to the area, with more than 20 new stores joining downtown in 2023. Right now, Tiffany Baldwin of Downtown Chillicothe said there is still a lot of space available for retail space and offices.
Downtown businesses can benefit from beautification of the area as various organizations work to maintain an inviting atmosphere with decorations and flowers. This also means stores that are part of the historic district must meet Design Review Board regulations that help showcase Chillicothe's history.
Baldwin said one of the main benefits of opening a store downtown is the community that comes with it. Downtown owners often work together to promote different stores and events, as most are unique and locally owned rather than by large corporations.
Restoring history: Rebuilding downtown Chillicothe
“We're a really close-knit family,” Baldwin said. “You become part of the community.”
Local business owners also benefit from the area's programs and events. For example, the DORA program encourages visitors to visit local businesses after stopping by one of the participating restaurants. Regular events like Sand in the Streets and BrewFest also encourage tourists to come downtown.
Young said the downtown location has high foot traffic, as many people are looking for a unique downtown with a variety of shops. While the pattern may be different than in other locations, such as malls, stores downtown are less likely to fall between larger chains.
Visit the Downtown Chillicothe website to see rental properties in the area and learn more.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Email SReeves@gannett.com or follow us on Twitter.@Shelby_Reeves_