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NewslettersDowntown Beaufort: Closed for the holidays
I wrote a column Sunday about downtown businesses and their sometime-lax holiday hours. Since some of you Gazoggers are often critical of downtown, I wanted to get your thoughts on the issue.
Before we get started, a quick pre-comment: I went to A Night on the Town this weekend and some businesses were either closed for the event or closed before 8 p.m., and this was with the streets full of people. On Saturday, again with thousands downtown for the boat parade, there were virutally no businesses open at 6 p.m.
So, I don't think we're going to see a change anytime soon. If you can't get the businesses to open on days when they have thousands of potential customers, they probably aren't going to want MORE holiday activities.
Here's the column:
Downtown's hustle, bustle is locked out after dark
When you read this, downtown Beaufort's Holiday Weekend will be winding to a close. But while I write it, it's yet to start. Given access to this rip in the space-time continuum, I'm taking the liberty of proclaiming the last three days a success, even though they haven't happened yet.
I have no doubt crowds turned out for Friday's Night on the Town event and Saturday's Light Up the Night boat parade. I'm also certain today's old-fashioned parade will be a hit. Hopefully, the large crowds will mean big money for the downtown merchants. And good for them. They need it.
Last Saturday, I ate dinner downtown, and the place was dead. The restaurant at which I was dining closed early. The bars seemed to be doing good business -- booze never slumps -- but the streets were empty.
The problem is, of course, people shop on the weekends. And, for the most part, they shop in Bluffton or Charleston or Wal-Mart, or anywhere other than downtown. Why? Because most of the stores are closed after 6, some as early as 5. I've always thought it was hard to run a successful business with your front door locked, but apparently it's not.
Since most of us work during the week, and since some of the downtown businesses are closed on Sunday, those of us who have jobs -- which is most people -- have to get all of our shopping done on Saturday. But do it early. When the sun goes down so do the "open" signs.
This, by the way, is ridiculous. All of it. There shouldn't be one big, three-day period for downtown during the holiday season. EVERY weekend night between Thanksgiving and Christmas should be a "Night on the Town."
Businesses should be open until 7 p.m. every weekday and until 9 p.m. on weekends. You could have an "event" every Friday and Saturday night: carolers could sing, choirs could perform, artists could create, Santa could walk around and make merry, and maybe we could get the merchants to participate in a "front-window design" contest.
Or, here's an idea: How about we use that amphitheater at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park -- that took, seemingly, five Christmases to build -- for actual, live entertainment? Yes, you'd have to kick out the couple using it for a drunken rendezvous, but it might be worth it.
I know it's colder at night in December. But have you looked at Beaufort lately? A large portion of the residents migrated here precisely FOR the December weather. If you've ever spent a winter in Maine, 50-degree temperatures are for sunbathing and pina coladas, not hiding indoors.
If the merchants stay open, people come. If people come, the restaurants are busy and the bars stay packed. Some downtown business owners already realize that -- a few have extended holiday hours -- but they all need to. It's the "live together or die alone" reality.
In an article in Wednesday's Beaufort Gazette, one downtown merchant admitted she had to convince her partner to open for Night on the Town because, "When the crowds starts drinking and the kids start running around ... it can become more of a disruptive night than a profitable night." She went on to admit, though, it usually is a VERY profitable night.
If I owned a business, and I had an event that brought thousands of people to my front door, I can't imagine a disruption big enough to make me contemplate ducking out on free money. Is the sound of the cash register too loud? Is the buzz from eager customers too deafening? Does the ink from all of that money stain your hands?
The only thing the crowds disrupt is the usual silence emanating from Bay Street businesses after dark.
- thager's blog
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I have been going to Night on the Town for years and my daughter and I were really looking forward to it. It has been one of our main Christmas Holiday traditions since she was a "stroller" baby. She is now 15. We were really disappointed. There were not as many activities available as in past years, and when we went at 9:00 to watch the tree lighting as we have in the past it was over with; they were dismantling the stage. No Marine Corps ensemble or band members playing Christmas Carols, no ballet dancers down on the bridge end, not as much activity. What was going on? There were plenty of people as always and always plenty of beer and wine. I realize that alcoholic beverages are the "norm" for the Night on the Town, but since this is a family event, isn't it possible to stick with sodas and punch in the businesses? I do know that the times we stayed down town really late on Night on the Town there were a lot of people drinking and really drunk. This isn't a very good experience for a family event.
The one thing that we enjoyed the most and that hasn't changed over the years was the Soul Patrol Puppet show in front of Regions bank. They have a new group of puppeteers this year and all very young, but they did an excellent job as always. Their leaders should be commended on working them well and getting them in shape.
I agree with the editorial about the Downtown Businesses. If they want to stay in business then they need to stay open late during the holidays and on weekends.
I also think that the Main Street committee should look at next year's Night on the Town and begin thinking now, what they could add so that there would be plenty of activities for people. More singing groups, music, dance, theatrical pieces, carolers in costumes with people singing along, jugglers, magicians/illusionists all walking the streets. There are plenty of people in town that could provide these activities if they would be asked. And book then NOW!!! Don't wait until they get their holiday schedules filled up.
From what I've seen, the Beaufort events in general are going to the drunks.
Staying open later has been discussed for several years and the downtown businesses that are constantly crying for more business, haven't budged. Who cares about meeting the requirements of the working public?
Maybe this year with money getting tighter they will be moved to accommodate the public, but I wouldn't hold my breath. They will continue to shout for a new parking structure as though it would cure all of their ills. More avoidance and denial of the real problems.
Night on the town has been getting more commercial and in a nutshell, worse each year just like the Water Festival and other events. Drinking and drugs take over when things deteriorate as they have. Of course both booze and drugs have a larger profit margin than many things.
The whole attitude in Beaufort towards families and wholesome entertainment and enjoyment has rapidly declined in the last 4 or 5 years. All of the emphasis is on development and making big money. The infrastructure which includes the schools and support for the general community has been neglected and probably will not change.
It could be blamed on the politicians, but the bottom line is that the public elected them or at least gave tacit approval when they didn't vote.
I realize that most of what I post has sounded negative for some time, but it has been based on facts and observations. I earlier commented that I hoped that Night on the Town would be less commercial this year, but I guess that it didn't happen. Criticisms that I voice regarding such things as reliance on the PI Band because they perform free of charge is to point out the failure of people to put their money where their mouth is regarding slogans like "Beaufort.....driven by the arts." It is painful to observe and write about these things after knowing and loving Beaufort for almost fifty years...but the truth is the truth and avoiding it will only lead to more problems and despair.
I totally agree. The businesses downtown do not seem to understand that in order to sell things, customers have to be able to get inside your store. That has been an issue for me for several years. I have thought numerous times about shopping at the Cat's Meow and Modern Jewelers only to realize that by the time I get back into town from going to work, the shop is closed. I also understand that these businesses are run by families who also need to go home etc..... but, during the holidays, would it kill you to open at 10am and close at 7pm? That is 9 hours with your doors open.
As for night on the town, I am a member of the LIES PTO that ran the Chik-Fil-A booth. I saw a few family friendly things, but nothing like in the years past. It was truly kind of sad, lots of alcohol, lots of teenage kids.
One would think that people were in business to make money, not to run stores as goods displays whenever it was convenient for them. Are all the shop owners in town independently wealthy, or making so much money that they don't need to market their goods? There are precious few examples of even moderately aggressive marketing - like discount coupons, extended store hours, or special weekend sales (e.g., Labor Day, Presidents' Weekend, after Christmas) that stores like Belk have caught onto. Belk moves a lot of merchandise.
And what's this 8:00 closing before Christmas? How about opening noon to nine from, as the article suggests, Thanksgiving to Christmas, if you don't want to pay help for a long day? Think you might get some after-work shoppers to spend some money?
On Night on the Town, one store's employees couldn't handle the crowd (there weren't enough salespeople working to watch so the trinkets wouldn't disappear), so they posted someone at the door to regulate how many went in, and then closed shop as soon as it got near 8:00. One or two more salespeople at $8/hour would've allowed people to browse and probably generated ten times that in sales. Is that so confusing?
And with all those people around town, the Chambers restrooms were locked. So shoppers could drink free soda, wine, and beer but had no restroom facilities unless they were in restaurants. Whose brainchild was that?
Maybe downtown merchants get exactly what they want, and what they want isn't money. The Northerners with the money who will shop at night because they're used to the dark and the cool temps are so pesky. Better that they go to the malls in Savannah and Charleston...
The "Light Up the Night" boat parade was advertised to take place from 5 - 8 pm. My family and I had an early dinner at the new Thai place on Boundary, then headed downtown to see the lights. We got there at 7 pm, and it was over. No boats, no lights, only a smattering of people. Leaving. And definitely no stores to shop in.
All around the country retailers are offering 40% or more off to attract buyers....money is tight. But some of the "mom and pop" retailers in Beaufort absolutely refuse to improve service or prices.
Night on the Town won't probably exist much longer in downtown Beaufort. It will probably be moved to the new "pedestrian friendly" area over on Boundary. It is another example of how some events or conditions are allowed to deteriorate and end up benefiting others.
All around the country retailers are offering 40% or more off to attract buyers....money is tight. But some of the "mom and pop" retailers in Beaufort absolutely refuse to improve service or prices.
Night on the Town won't probably exist much longer in downtown Beaufort. It will probably be moved to the new "pedestrian friendly" area over on Boundary. It is another example of how some events or conditions are allowed to deteriorate and end up benefiting others.
Good idea! Maybe it would do better at the "Beaufort Town Center" formerly known as "Jean Ribaut Square". But if it does, let's cut the emphasis on alcohol sales - that's NOT appropriate for a family-oriented community affair!
Incidentally, I notice the new tall buildings along Boundary Street resemble parts of Naples, FL.
You know folks - you cannot sit around and complain.
Do you want more family friendly event and entertainment - you need to join the organizing committee and make it happen.
Do you want the shops open - you need to go downtown, and talk to the merchants and tell them what you want - if all they see are tourists day in day out - well - they are not going to be open at night for locals if no locals shop there. I admit that most of the shops downtown are tourist oriented in either selection price. How many cocktail napkins with cute sayings, nautical themed clocks and related dreck can locals buy?
I'm tell you all - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in YOUR life and YOUR town. Get off your duff, join a local group and make it happen.
My office is downtown, I eat downtown probably 3-5 times a week, and I buy most of my gifts downtown. I'm a member of Main Street, my husband is on the board, and we attend every downtown festival, parade and performance we can. So.... we're not all on our duffs. Some of us are trying to make it happen. I just wanted to see the boat parade during the hours advertised.
just so you know I was careful not to 'reply to' your post!
There are people out there who are working hard - and then there are those who complain about the gorgeous weather we are having.
More average people, and fewer folks with an agenda, need to get involved.
I have a few ideas = how about the downtown businessmen's [still called that huh?] association partner with the bars every Friday night for live music and open streets - put the music in the park, and the food in the park or on the streets and close Bay St from 8-midnight. Luthers and Plums already have music - they can have the liquor concession so they don't lose anything - shops are open - other local retailers can bring a tent.
Have a family night the first friday - have family friendly things to do and places to go highlighted from 6-8 -
Margjeff, the boats left the Port Royal Landing Marina at 5 p.m., and most of them were downtown near Waterfront Park by 6. The parade was finished before 7, probably because there were fewer boats this year than when the event last took place, in 2004. If I remember correctly, the 2004 event lasted until about 8, and that's probably what led to the advertisers listing a 5-8 time frame for this year.
Easier said than done Joefarrell. As you know, the folks that run things are a pretty closed group. You may get on a committee, but don't count on having any influence. Most people have had such experiences with clubs, churches, and other groups. Sometimes it is called a clique, but it is a group to ensure the status quo.
A few business people have come and gone who have tried to work the system for changes. The real power is in the vote. People have to vote responsibly if they want change. This other suggestion may sound a bit like the 1970s, but people need to make some noise and attract attention from outside Beaufort. Outside media coverage is a scary thing to power people in a closed community. People in Beaufort have to stand up and do what it takes to get back their community.
Will it happen? I doubt it.....look at the schools which are a reflection of the community. No wonder that good teachers are both sad and angry.
There is really NOTHING downtown of any practical use, save for the show store and maybe Lipstiz. The hardware stores are gone (Fordham and Western Auto). There is a bookstore, but very tourist orientated. Jewelry stores are borderline practical. You can buy gifts, but again, mostly tourist crap. Waterfront Park is nice before dark when the drunks come out and cops go home as not to bother the restaurants that make 99% of the tax revenue there. There is a coffee shop that has turned into a gay club. There are banks for whatever reason they want to be there for.
All of this, and now DICK Stewart is starting to turn downtown into a residential district. I wonder how long the playground will last with a DICK Stewart managed condos next to it? Considering the new playground is crap nest to the old one, it won't be too long.
I never go downtown for shopping or anything else anymore. Downtown is for the tourists, so is the Water Festival, and for the new residents. Locals and blacks keep out.
so what is it that people want? The boat thing was explained, but other than that... You want night on the town without the drinking... You want a place for locals and blacks, but not gays?!?
Dick bought the land... You might not like it (or him), but what is it gonna prove bitching about it?
He's going to put condos up... Better that then renting the space to K-mart! He's going to have to abide by the same rule and regs as everyone else and if he doesn't then you can complain!
You say that night on the town has gone to the drunks (I can't see how it ever been any different, but whatever) Maybe the store owners, who weren't open for long that night, feel the same way! Do you think when this started out that they expected problems like drunks, shoplifters, fights???? Do you think when it started out everyone was prepared to participate?
There were events downtown for everyone and there were places open to shop..
I worked in a little village once and all the business in the town participated in this "early bird sale" the first day of hunting season. Everyone in the whole town was open at 5am sharp. The store I was in it's first year of business and this seemed like a great way to pull in customers. We didn't have one customer before10am our usual opening time. In fact the coffee shop was the only place that did any business that morning and it was all us clerks juicing up for the big sale. That was a really small town though. there are people that go every year to the night on the town and I agree that the businesses who chose not to be open seem a little foolish... but it maybe that they learned that it was not worth the harassment... the people coming in to use the bathroom, everyone elbow to elbow and has a glass of wine in 'em...
Zoo, good post, especially the part about "Dick."
Zoo said:
"He's going to have to abide by the same rule and regs as everyone else and if he doesn't then you can complain!"
Now that is funny.....you made my day!
Dick makes his own rules. This is a man that got an entire building code made to fit his agenda. Someone else said this before, whatever DICK wants, DICK gets.
Downtown still sucks, and probably always will. How much to repair a park that didn't fix the problem? Can you buy groceries, diapers, gasoline, and affordable clothing and shoes?
....hmmmm...is there anyone else?
And the rest of us get Dick!
Ok... So maybe I am not aware of the whole Dick thing.. If the people don't make him abide by the rules... Hire/ elect new people.
well it's for sure it's either a no Dick thing or a little Dick thing that you strugle with, having no substance in your thoughts about what this contributing citizen has buildt and how he got it done. The gripe continues to be the who and not the what. At least this fellow put money on the table and contributed to the continued sucess of private culture, those paying the tax that allow the non-contributing to feed. Others will be here with deeper pockets and many of them will not care about your thoughts on what your town used to be. Dick does, so what exactly is your beef on this subject? Did you sell to cheap or did he pass on your offer.
Sooooooooo, is it a little Dick thing or a big Dick thing? Are we discussing, Night on the Town, development, or Freud?
Jus wonderin'.
adracer said:
"Sooooooooo, is it a little Dick thing or a big Dick thing?"
"THE" Dick, you know, THE" Dick