Businesses in the Kings Contrivance Village Center have been feeling the pinch this summer after the shopping center was left without an anchor store.
The Safeway moved out in June, and a new grocery store won?t move in until next fall. In the meantime, several businesses are struggling and expect it to be a tough year for sales.
“It?s not easy,” said Woo Hong, manager of The UPS Store. “When you have an anchor store, they are coming to shop, so they see what is in the shopping center, but we are very slow here.”
A 55,000-square-foot Harris Teeter grocery store is slated to open in fall 2007, Harris Teeter spokeswoman Jennifer Panetta said. The plans, which the Howard County planning board is expected to approve at a meeting later this month, call for the demolition of the old Safeway and nearby Friendly?s restaurant for the new store.
Safeway closed when the lease ended in June, leaving businesses inthe 20-year-old village center without an anchor to draw in customers.
“Having an anchor grocery store in the village center is very important to bring people into the center and keep the center viable,” said Kings Contrivance Village Manager Anne Dodd.
At The UPS Store, manager Hong said they will likely increase advertisements, sell coupons and send out more fliers to remind residents of the store.
“It has affected us,” said Marie Jones, manager of the Bagel Bin and Deli, which is located in the food court. “Most people don?t even know we are here. With the Safeway gone, we are relying on regular customers and word of mouth right now.”
Jones said the breakfast crowd has slowed considerably, but they have seen a lunch boost, with former Safeway shoppers opting for the bagel shop. She?s hoping business will pick up as soon as the new Harris Teeter opens.
In the meantime, village residents have likely been driving to a Giant or Safeway store in nearby Columbia. But Dodd said she expects them to come back for their groceries as soon as the new store opens. She said the absence of an anchor store is frustrating but understandable, considering the ambitious construction plans.
“I think it?s difficult for some, but we are looking forward to the Harris Teeter,” Dodd said.
To meet some of the village?s needs, officials have opened a produce stand at the Safeway site. The weekly market started Aug. 8, and Dodd said she?s not sure how long it will be open.
