Empty Store Front Fishing for New Tenants

The former Reefs aquatic store in Green Brook's Tower PLaza stands out a bit from the center's other tenants, which are mostly professional offices.

Perhaps that's why the store wasn't able to stay in business at the fairly-hard-to-spot center: retailers like and need high visibility, and the row of tall trees blocking a clear view of the building isn't helpful for some types of businesses.

But then these days, the nature of small town retailing has changed: when you can prder almost anything from Amazon or eBay or other online seller, retailers have to have a strong niches to survive.

That's all the more true for a business in this spot—which may have been what The Reef's owners thought. Their clientele wasn't just pulled from people cruising by on Route 22, but dedicated hobbyists in a specialized market.

So...where does that leave the space now? Do you think a retailer offering another kind of specialized product should open at the space? Perhaps a Southwest jewelry specialist, or fine art glass shop...tell us what you think could work there—and how you think local retailers can fight back against online sellers. 

Add your comments in the box below.