By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — The list of new tenants is long — a florist, a bakery a candy store, an antique shop as well as a fourth women’s boutique — have joined the lineup in what has become a banner year for downtown merchants in Warsaw.
But maybe what’s most encouraging is that four businesses that already had a stake in the downtown chose to relocate and remain in the business district.
Two of those — The Riverhouse Coffee House and Glam Boutique — experienced a smooth transition as they moved to new spots this year on Center Street.
But two others, at the bequest of their landlords, had to find new homes and did so, ultimately setting with properties side-by-side on Buffalo Street.
Male Fashions owner Tim Hamann, who spent ten years with his store on Center Street, began settling in a year ago to his new digs in the space previously used by MudLove, and said he likes the change.
“We’re happy. The move has been good. Sales have been good. People are excited with the new space,” Hamann said.
Krista Brown had to find a new location just months after her business, Maggie’s Coffee and Treats, opened on Center Street. She found a new home at the corner of Market and Buffalo but was closed for several weeks for renovations.
She admits having to temporarily close after just opening put a cloud of concern over her store’s future, but she persevered and eventually re-opened in the space previously used by Infinity Salon.
Brown said her sales are increasing steadily.
Looking back, she adds, “I wouldn’t change anything.”
While the race to attract coffee drinkers feels like a competitive one in downtown Warsaw, Brown has remained confident and her store has begun to attract a series of groups including military veterans who meet there regularly as well as three Bible groups.
She admits she caters to a bit of an old customer base.
Brown said she was successful in asking the city to relocate a 15-minute parking spot closer to her store at the corner of Market and Buffalo.
She and Hamann both said they think parking near their new location has been a plus.
Both merchants say the changes have been good.
“There’s a lot of stuff going on so anything that increases (the number) of people downtown is good for all of us,” Hamann said.
