The economic news continues to be bad, so it's interesting to reflect on how many new businesses have come to Belmar in the last six months:
Target
Nordstrom Rack
Champa Street Burger Works
European Wax Center
Shining Stars Kids Dentistry
100% Chiropractic Wellness Center
Charming Charlie
St. Anthony's Health Passport
In addition, there are three more on their way:
The Rock Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits
Zinga!
Aruba Aloe
This list is just for stores in the Belmar redevelopment proper. If we throw into the mix areas outside the borders of the old Villa Italia mall, but still within walking distance of residents, we pick up a few more:
Firehouse Subs
Froyo Zone
Waxing the City
Now, some of these stores I'm excited about (Target, say, and Nordstrom Rack). Others I know I'll never set foot in (I'm talking about you, 100% Chiropractic Wellness Center). And there are some where I'd have loved to have seen a more premium brand fill the niche (Hmm... Zinga! or Pinkberry. Guess which froyo shop I'd rather have opening in my neighborhood.)
But I'm impressed at the number of new businesses opening in what are tough economic times, and in a very non-traditional location.
