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A Bergen County downtown that could use an economic boost
By Joseph R. Perone/The Star-Ledger
January 18, 2010, 7:45AM
https://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2010/01/a_bergen_county_downtown_that.html
Stores are leaving Ridgewood at an alarming rate as the economic downturn — combined with long-standing issues such as high rents and lack of parking — continues to punish the village’s downtown, according to a report in The Record.
Up to five businesses have closed or merged with other stores in the Bergen County town in the past month. And the business exodus isn’t over, merchants say.
Cardventure and Artventure are closing in February, Irish Eyes Imports, which has been in town for 20 years, is bolting for Westwood and boutique shop Happy Tuesday will shut its doors this month.
“Some want to blame this on the [lack of] parking,” Councilman Keith Killion said. “But it’s a combination of things that make it a perfect storm. It’s the proximity of the malls, the rents and the landlords, Internet shopping … and the economy. To say it’s just one incident is being unfair.”
https://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2010/01/a_bergen_county_downtown_that.html