In Annapolis, the 200 block of Main Street is nestled in the shadow of the Capitol Building and offers an authentic, colonial presence in its architecture. Three adjoining storefront windows artfully display their wares under city-approved signs required for a historic district: Ron George Jewelers Inc., Bonjour, and The Cooks? Revenge.
Ron George, a jeweler and appraiser, has been in business since 1991. Glass cases lining the periphery of his 1,500-square-foot store are filled with the latest in high-end goods, such as diamond engagement rings, estate jewelry and a number of custom designs fashioned by master bench jewelers working on the premises.
Ron George, who is running for state delegate, rents his space from a private owner, but is also landlord to the proprietors of Ristoranti, Piccola Roma, directly across the street. He sees both ends of the ownership and rental game.
“Property taxes [in Annapolis] have skyrocketed 70 percent over the last four years. You don?t want to hurt your good business,” he said, noting that inevitable increases are ahead for him and his fellow proprietors on the block.
Ginny Vernick owns the business next doorto George. Her store, Bonjour, which specializes in imported clothing and accessories for babies and children.
Approaching her fifth year in business, Vernick attributes her success to unique product lines as well as customer service, and like Ron George Jewelers, she gets repeat tourist business each year.
“It helps to be surrounded by nice retailers,” she said, “to know that the business next door is upstanding, and that we are all on the same page.”
However, she points out that the perks of a Main Street location are diminished slightly by the parking problem, which includes too few spaces and garages, as well as restricted meter parking.
Kerry Smith, owner of The Cooks? Revenge next door to Vernick, said that since opening his business four months ago, he has discovered what his neighbors have known for a while, that in addition to the tourist trade, “the locals are very happy we?re here, and that?s what it takes to survive in January, February and March.”
Next week, The Examiner visits W. Bel Air Avenue in Aberdeen.
