Montclair Businesses Make Adjustments In Changing Economy

Do you remember when was on Walnut Street? Or when Next Cleaners was at Park and Church? Or when sold new toys and gifts?

It wasn't all that long ago. But these and other Montclair businesses have had to take steps in a different direction in order to prosper in a tough economic climate.

Susan Fine, owner of Chocolate Path, would be leaving its retail space on Walnut Street in mid-June 2011—and moving online.

Today she said that the business' website continues to be extremely popular and that she's glad she made the move.

"I miss the interactions with customers but to be chained to a shop during times when no one is coming in ... well, I don't miss that," she said, noting that she sold out of many products offered via the Internet during the recent holiday period.

Fine said she continues to get out in the community and that she recently has teamed up with on Park Street to create some exclusive Chocolate Path gift baskets related to Valentine's Day for the restaurant's customers.

"I try to be as visible as possible," she said.

Fine emphasized that she still offers free local deliveries—about 60 percent of her business is local—and also that she's always more than happy to talk to customers on the phone.

You can reach her via the website or by calling 973-655-0822.

Meanwhile, Creative Endeavors on Bloomfield Avenue, which had been selling new toys and gift items, is switching back to its old format—which is selling antiques.

"We will be phasing out all new items and going back to being an antique store as we were unable to be profitable selling new items," said owner Patrice Larson. "I know some customers will be disappointed but we had been in the antique business on Bloomfield Avenue from 1998 to 2008.

"A few years ago I tried selling brand new toys, gifts, and jewelry," she said. "After this year I realized it is impossible to make a profit with the new stuff. It was fun though! So I'm going back to what I know best, which is antiques."

Larson notes that all new items in the store have been reduced to 20 percent off.

Other businesses that have made changes include Next Cleaners, which has moved to a new location—with a lower rent—next to Dem Two Hands on North Fullerton Avenue. And other stores such as ColorStoryHome have moved online. Many restaurants, meanwhile, have tweaked menus in order to draw more customers.

As the examples above suggest, the combination of business owners with a passion for what they do with the offering of quality products appears to be the key to thriving when many other businesses have closed down.

Are you a business owner who has made a change? Let us know in the comments section below or email Shelley@patch.com. We want to feature local businesses so let us hear from you!