I drove down Main Street from Buffalo to Akron on Saturday afternoon, and I was amazed at the number of vacant commercial buildings that are up for lease and sale along that stretch of roadway. It was easily 50 - 75 buildings that were no longer occupied by businesses in a 20 mile stretch. I was curious, so I took a drive through Cheektowaga, along Dick Road and Union Road and found the same thing, probably 20 vacant storefronts and another 30 - 40 office buildings with lease or sale signs. I am taking a trip to Orchard Park / Hamburg to count the vacancies sometime this week. I was under the impression that these areas were doing great when compared to Hertel, Delaware, Allen, Elmwood, and Main; but it doesn't appear that this is the case.

I am definitely frequenting more businesses in Buffalo this holiday season, and I will probably venture out to Williamsville, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, or other suburbs to frequent some of the small businesses that are struggling there as well. This will be a Buffalo Bought Holiday for me, I am going to see if I buy for all the friends, employees, nieces, and nephews without hitting the Malls, Best Buy, or Borders this season.

I have vowed not to step one foot in the galleria this holiday season. I've always hated putting up with the crowds there, but after a recent trip there (after being out of town for 3+ years) I was amazed how much of a cluster f this place has become with the recent expansion. They keep expanding the mall itself, and the walkways stay the same size. That along with the parking being a complete nightmare is all I need to stay away for good.