Walking? Biking? More Men's Clothing? What Do You Want In Montclair Center?

For the first time ever, the Montclair Center Business Improvement District (the BID) has been trying to get a comprehensive look at how all constituents view Montclair Center while also soliciting suggestions to make it better.

Recently, the BID set up an online survey for Montclair Center customers and stakeholders. This survey is for locals and non-locals; Montclair Center fans and detractors; diners, shoppers, employees business owners, and casual visitors.

You can take the survey now by CLICKING HERE. 

The deadline for the survey, which should take about ten minutes, is Friday. People who complete the survey can enter a drawing for a $100 Montclair Center gift check.

Luther Flurry, executive director of BID, is encouraging everyone to complete the survey. In particular, though, he's interested in hearing more from proeprty and business owners as well as from visitors to Montclair Center between the ages of 16 and 30.

The survey is about both the BID—the organization—and about Montclair Center—the district.

"People who own businesses and property in Montclair Center, or work closely with the BID, are asked about the performance and priorities of the BID," Flurry said. "Everyone who is a Montclair Center customer is asked why they come to Montclair Center and what they think of Montclair Center.

"It is important that we get a true representation of what they think," he said.

Survey results, Flurry noted, will feed into the BID's strategic planning process, management plans, and marketing plans.

"The survey will also give us a baseline against which we can measure future improvements," he said.

So far, what do people say they want to see in Montclair Center? According to the survey, one of the most common write-in reasons to come to Montclair Center is to walk or bike for pleasure and to enjoy the ambience.

"Our hope is that South Park Street renovations and increased on-street programming will make this more common, as foot traffic leads to retail sales," Flurry said. Meanwhile, "some of the comments also point to a need for better communications.

"For instance: A number of survey participants bemoan the absence of any place to buy men’s clothing in Montclair Center," he said.

But, in fact, there are three stores that cater to men, just on South Park Street alone.

He cited Purchased Possessions at 47 South Park, Duke and Duchess at 54 South Park, and Urban Outfitters at 20 South Park. He added that Montclair Center also has athletic and vintage outlets for men.