This new store has no signage except for some Mexican flags on the facade. The ever-changing central business district now has several stores catering to a Mexican clientele.
Saints and comic figures are on sale for home decor.
The Virgen de Guadalupe has become a pervasive icon throughout the city, on banners, baby blankets, clothing, jewelry and in paintings and statuary.
Snacks have a Mexican flair. I think this one combines crunchy corn sticks with lime flavor.Pedestrians such as myself and Jackie get the close-up view of the changing downtown mix. I hope our city officials are able to walk around sometimes and see how things are going. Still no Trader Joe's for the baguette and brie crowd, but the 59 bus will whisk you away to Westfield when you simply must have such fare.
--Bernice
I haven't been in that one yet, but will probably peek around. I do have a complaint about the snacks in the Central and South American stores popping up -- they need more chocolate! (Not that I really need it, but ...!) I've noticed that, unlike Italian restaurants and businesses (for example), chocolate seems off the radar.
ReplyDeleteAnother change in recent years is the proliferation of gold/jewelry stores on East Front Street as well as electronics/cell phone places and small clothing stores catering to Western styles. Nail salons almost seem on a decline, but barbershops catering to mainly black males seem to be thriving.
In the ten years I've been in town, there have been dramatic changes. It's not going to ever be a Westfield with Coach stores and such. But it's definitely always an interesting pedestrian happening and an amazing melting pot of cultures, as well as snacks.
I just hope Paramount's buildings which are being rehabbed aren't going to be so cost-prohibitive for businesses to open.
And this is a positive thing? looks like a junk store, just like most of the retail in the downtown area.
ReplyDeletePlainfield's downtown is very hodge podge, but it will never attract shoppers from outside of town. I'm not a snob, but even the stores on Park Madison are pretty junky and low brow. Plainifeld is becoming more and more like Newark in its shopping district and crime rates. Too bad. This administration has done nothing to move Plainfield in a positive direction. I hope they can get their act together.
ReplyDeleteI agree with 8:53am that we will not have the upscale stores, but I would like to see the following:
ReplyDelete1 - Stores that are welcoming to all people. My opinion is that the feel is low class. Let's learn about marketing your product to a wide array of people
2- Eclectic artsy shops that feature Plainfield's talented artists
3 - Less hair salons, nail salons, dirt, filth and grime on the street
4 - An attractive busines landscape that is not expensive to create. Just clean your awnings and windows - comply with the ordinance that does not allow for more than 1/3 of your windows to be covered, and put in some planters and take care of the plants in them. Cost cannot be more than $150.00 per business.
To 10:30 a.m.: I don't think either one of us blogger/pedestrians vaunted this new business, we both tend to make observations on what we see walking around downtown. Plainfield consumers will vote with their dollars on whether it is a positive addition.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless the small business owner, whether in NJ or LA. So much hope is wrapped up in the opening [including getting the whole family involved - i speak from EXPERIENCE as a teenager 'forced' to be part of the team - Actually they were some of the happiest days for my family] but track records are always tuff.
ReplyDeleteI wish there were businesses that catered to my interests and needs. I would love to go downtown to have a bite at Panera Bread and stop in at Aeropostale to purchase my children a few polos. However, I don't see that being a reality for me anytime in the near future. Kudos to anyone who can establish and manage his/her own business, but I am tired of dollar stores and cheap electronics stores on every corner. I can't even spend my money in my own town anymore and that makes me feel bad. I recall walking downtown in the 80's from the home where my family lived near Muhlenberg Hospital (yes...those were the days), shopping in Bamberger's (alias Macy's) and having lunch in Bill's luncheonette before going home. Plainfield will never return to those days, but I'm wondering what the city is doing to attract better businesses. On the other hand, I know the make-up of the city has changed so perhaps, the businesses DO cater to the needs of its new population. Maybe it's me who needs to wake up and shop elsewhere without complaint.
ReplyDelete