Giovanni ‘Gio’ Centurione has opened his new store in the Market Arcade building. He hosted his Grand Opening for Trend Up this past Friday, after spending ten days in business. I asked Gio how much the opening of EXPO Market influenced his decision to open within the Market Arcade, and on Main Street, and he told me that he would have opened anyways. He did mention that the opening of EXPO is driving much of the foot traffic that he is seeing. He also told me that EXPO gets so packed during the week that there is overflow into the Market Arcade atrium, where diners are snapping up tables right outside of his chic clothing boutique. Gio also says that lunch on Saturdays is also surprisingly busy.
Someday, the upper floors of the Market Arcade will be perfectly situated for retail, but right now all of the shops are located on the first floor. Currently, there is also one last non-profit located on the ground level (Muhammad School of Music) that will one day (a year or two down the line?) move to another location, which would free up a significant retail space within the building. After that, along with an increase in business activity on Main Street (Raclettes is about to open), the upper floors of the Market Arcade will begin to look more attractive. Also, the managers of EXPO have stated that there is potential room for a couple more food vendors within the market.
There is so much activity bubbling up around the Market Arcade for the first time in decades, that there is even talk of a potential Saturday farmers’ market, flea/artisan market and lunchtime concert series. Seeing that EXPO is drawing people into the heart of Downtown on Saturdays is extremely encouraging. Developer Nick Sinatra recently said that as soon as the weather officially breaks, the doors of EXPO will be opened wide, and chairs and tables will be set up out on the sidewalk.
According to Gio, he feels that Main Street is officially due for a shoe store. With Furnishings on the next block, a fully occupied Market Arcade (first floor), a buzzing EXPO, new restaurants on the way, sharp Main Street infrastructure, and a couple more fun surprises along the way, this summer is looking bright for Downtown Main Street.
It’s more important than ever to get your shopping done in your favorite neighborhoods in the city, including Main Street in Downtown Buffalo. Stop into Trend Up and browse some lines that you just can’t get anywhere else in the region – Dope, Emperor Apparel, Other UK and Informal Apparel. While you’re there, grab some food, a drink, a coffee, and take a stroll or a bike ride around this up and coming eating/shopping district. The more that you do, the more that will be waiting for you your next trip around.