Struggling Business a Concern at Upper Marlboro Shopping Center

After a recent wave of store closings in the Marlborough Village Center, falling revenues and high rents have caused employees of existing businesses in the strip mall to become concerned about the status of their companies.

Managers said the departure of stores like Starbucks, Curves and Nash Subs has led to a lack of foot traffic in the shopping center.

The Dutch Village Farmers Market has experienced a drop in business after the recent closings, said manager Elam Petersheim. However, he said he was excited that Marlborough Village Center’s realty company, NAI Michael, is in serious talks with possible future tenants.

"We feel that once we get [people] in the parking lot, we can get them in the doors here,” Petersheim said. We’re "always looking for more foot traffic, which I feel a fuller shopping center can create."

NAI Michael employees could not be reached for comment.

Red Nails & Tan manager Luong Lo said the rate of business at his store has fallen about 60 percent since he set up shop seven years ago. He added that he’s uncertain about his business’ chances of survival after his rent contract expires in 2015, since so many businesses are moving out.

"Rent got pretty high," Lo said. "That’s why a lot of stores got out. People got scared." Lo noted that he pays about $3,400 a month for rent, about $300 more than seven years ago.

"I don’t know about the future of my business, because my [rate of] business goes lower every year," Lo said.

Michael Anderson, manager of Caribbean Flava restaurant, said his rent is "higher than normal."

A higher level of community support for Marlborough Village Center’s existing businesses would attract more tenants, Anderson said. "If the community comes out more and starts supporting, we’ll be doing much, much better."