BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The holiday lights are shining on Burlington’s Church Street and the shopping season hits high gear starting Friday. After the past few years of public safety concerns and less-than-cheery headlines, Burlington retailers want shoppers to know the marketplace is still a great place to visit.
Burlington’s downtown is getting in the holiday spirit.
“It’s pretty cool. Construction looks like a pain in the butt, but it’s a neat downtown,” said Edward Sera, a visitor from Florida.
“Obviously, no snow — which is a bummer — but seems that it still has the holiday spirit and holiday charm,” said Daniel Tso of Middlebury.
It’s a vital time for businesses, who are hoping to lure shoppers downtown.
“This summer was a challenge, which really means we really need you more than ever,” said Llyndara Harbour, the owner of Harbour Thread clothing store. She recently joined the owners of two other nearby locally-owned boutique shops – Dear Lucy and Ecco — in a social media post promoting shopping downtown. “I know for a fact this holiday season is make or break for quite a few businesses.”
Burlington has seen numerous stores and restaurants fail or move elsewhere in recent years. Tailfeather on College Street is the latest to go. “I wish I could have stuck it out and waited until things got better, but I just couldn’t,” said Kari Feingold, the store’s owner. She says the issues facing Burlington, including drug use and theft, forced them to close up shop. “I think people don’t want to come downtown. There hasn’t been a lot of foot traffic. There’s a lot people coming in trying to steal.”
The city says they do recognize the high number of vacancies in the downtown but they also point to many new businesses coming in.
“We believe in this community and this area,” said Michelle Vincent with Vermont Flannel, which is now sharing space with Vermont Teddy Bear and hopes to open for Black Friday shopping. “When people travel here, this is where they are coming, and it’s really important to bring energy and life back here.”
Many downtown stores will have extended hours not only this weekend but through the holidays.