Some say that you've got it made if you own a business on Elmwood Avenue. Others say that owning a business anywhere is a risk. I think that it is safe to say that the businesses that open off the beaten path are the ones that are taking the biggest risks. Of course they have lower rents, but drawing shoppers and diners from more successful districts can be tough - especially if there is no concentration of commercial neighbors to help share the marketing burden.
That's why it is so important to make a concentrated effort to support the commercial satellite businesses. It doesn't mean that you have to stop heading to Elmwood or Hertel, because those districts need the support too. It's fun hearing from shoppers that have not been back to Buffalo for a few years. Often times when you live in a place you don't realize the changes that happen around you. Check out this comment from the WBFO podcast left by 'buffalocat':
Last year was my first holiday season back in Buffalo after several years of living in the south (chain store heaven). I went EV-crazy and bought all my gifts in the shops there. Perhaps the best part was the ability to buy unique gifts that my out-of-town friends hadn't come across during their holiday shopping in the malls of America. The smaller shops can offer different gifts than the bigger chains that typically supply the same items in every one of their stores across the country. I think that's great.
The other thing that's really cool is that the stores in EV tend to be affordable. NYC, Raleigh, New Orleans (other places I've lived) have had small local shops, but their offerings are often too expensive for me to purchase. It's nice to see little shops that can compete with 'big box' prices, and not charge $189 for a pair of slippers!
Anyway, stores that I loved last year include Diggin’ It! at 801Elmwood (for great garden and outdoor decorations) and Spoiled Rotten at 831 Elmwood Ave (for funky and distinct ornaments and stocking stuffers). I have friends in various parts of the country who regularly sport Buffalo-themed clothing even though they've never even been here, thanks to the incredibly cool t-shirts and really soft, cute sweatshirts from Pavlov's Togs at 734. Oh - and for the consumable gifts, I hit Watson's and/or Fowlers and Blue Mountain Coffee.
Unfortunately, we lost Diggin' It! last year, but at the same time we picked up a gardening cooperative on the West Side called Urban Roots. And Anna Grace moved into the vacated storefront. That brings this post full circle. Urban Roots is off the beaten path, and that is why it is so important to support them this holiday season. December 1st and 2nd, the community garden center will be showing off the works of six Western New York artists. Some of those artists will be on hand to discuss their works of art, ranging from bird feeders to sculptures. Of course they will also have all of their wonderful garden supplies on hand... along with gelato tastings and cookies.
It's part of the annual Holiday Open Studios and Galleries sponsored by Artists In Buffalo (free guidebook and map available at Urban Roots). Or go here for a complete map of all of the artists and events taking part in the festivities around the city.
Urban Roots Community Garden Center
Store hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-5pm | Thursday& Saturday 10am-7pm | Sunday 11am-5pm | Closed Tuesday
428 Rhode Island Street at Five Corners Buffalo, NY 14213 | 716-362-8982