Saturday, November 02, 2013

What Every Neighborhood Needs: A Bookstore

Shelf Awareness

A bookstore or bookstore café would be a welcome addition to a certain Boston neighborhood, according to a recent survey by the Beacon Hill Civic Association Retail Vacancy Task Force. "Of 395 respondents, 265 said a bookstore is the type of business or store they would like to see come to the neighborhood," the Beacon Hill Times reported, followed by a mid-range restaurant (213 votes), cheese shop (187), bakery (182) and kitchenware store (163).

"In terms of a bigger trend, the survey shows that people want things they need on a day-to-day basis," said Michael Bruck, committee chair. "This isn't surprising, since people in the neighborhood live here, many work here, and they shop here."

He also noted the survey's comments section affirmed the neighborhood residents embrace unique and independently owned shops. "People feel that Beacon Hill is a special and unique place, and they want to preserve its character," Bruck said. "They believe businesses like chain stores contribute to the homogenization of the American shopping experience

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