Downtown Took a Tough Hit Last Week

Downtown took a tough hit last week when the closing of Market 1023 was announced. For the past three years we have had a wonderful downtown retail shop in Market 1023. Gabe & Robby are the owners and have a vision that embraces the vibrancy of a thriving downtown. They sought out and curated unique collections from different makers across the United States. They had a gifted eye for design, an understanding of market trends, provided unique inventory that you would not find at other retailers, and an ability to connect with and secure maker quality items.   

They continually rotated merchandising displays, scheduling and hosted large “in-store events”, and beautifully executed online marketing.  They were able to bring together and offer space to other unique makers the area and provide space for them downtown as well. This in and of itself is not unique, as there are several consignment shop in Bryan/College Station, it was the level of execution, tenant selection and presentation that gave it a different feel. It had more of a Makers Market vibe than a stereotypical antique market or flea market feel. They did a tremendous job at all of the things the text book tells you to do in order to have a successful retail business.   

As someone who spends time daily thinking about how to help with the downtown revitalization and has been and continues to be very vested in helping it, I have taken this news hard.  I suspect I am not the only one. If I am honest, I would have to admit that I have let doubt creep in and have spent extra time questioning is this revitalization failing. Will it be a success? The reality that we are still struggling to keep small businesses alive is discouraging. This is a problem everywhere across the country, especially in smaller markets like ours. There are many hurdles in front of us. 

The reality is, we are going to get bad news and it will come in waves. During this time it is important that we do not get distracted from our worthy vision of Downtown. There are two areas that are not where they need to be 1. density of residents and 2. daily foot traffic. While everyday more and more is being done to improve both of these numbers, it takes time to accumulate density. In the meantime, we must continue moving forward and not take our eye off of the good things that have happened.  Downtown has come from streets in massive disrepair lined with collapsed and boarded up buildings!

This news is a reminder that our downtown is still fragile and we must not let the success create complacency. While we have come a long way, our renewed downtown is still an infant.  Businesses are going to close. We will get bad news, but it doesn’t define who we are, how far we have come, or our grit and resilience. It is a reminder that we must each be committed to do our part in supporting the vision of a self sustaining and resilient downtown. Whether that is supporting restaurants and merchants downtown, using the downtown venue to host events (5k, company appreciation banquets, lunch with clients), and spreading the word about downtown to friends, family and visitors.  All of our small actions will grow to be a mighty force.  

There is such a thrill of excitement when a new shop opens up and on the flip side it is a bit of gut punch, when one closes. Momentum is a funny and fragile thing. It takes a culmination of small and independently unrecognizable efforts come together at the right time. While Downtown has seen tremendous and exciting growth it is still a struggle to sustain a profitable business downtown.  Market 1023 isn’t the first shop or the oldest shop to close but it is a significant one.  Later this month Market 1023 will close its doors creating a suction of momentum and their shop will be greatly missed.  

I was happy to learn that Robby and Gabe will continue their photography business and host independent workshops downtown, remaining an important part of downtown. 

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