How Can Businesses Find Success in Port's Downtown?

With the recent closing of Mobocracy in Port Washington's downtown and several other buildings that sit empty, the key to success in this city is open to debate once more.

Port Washington officials often speak of the emphasis on rebuilding Port's economy and creating a more thrivent downtown. Businesses come and go in Port, causing some to lose hope in the notion of ever having a bustling city center.

But others are confident in the business environment in Port, pointing to established businesses and citing a need for more proactive business owners.

"Port Washington has many successful businesses and some of them were right across the street from Mobocracy," Amy Gannon wrote on a Patch article about Mobocracy closing. "Those businesses choose to be involved in the community, market themselves and keep consistent hours. Port Washington is open for business and it's moving in the right direction."

Greg Huegerich agreed that effectively promoting your business is key to success in Port.

"It's definitely not a 'if you build it they will come' kind of environment," he wrote. "Marketing needs to be done as well as being open and accessible during festivals that generate foot traffic. I'm always surprised at the number of places that aren't open during parades and festivals. That being said, there are a number of niche business that do seem to thrive running a fairly limited schedule."

And to some, finding that niche is one of the important aspects of finding a solution to keeping business alive in Port.

"What it takes for a 'Mom & Pop' to survive is providing a quality niche product/service that we can't get at a big box," Robert B. wrote on Patch. "There are two perfect examples in town: Bernie's and Drew's. The quality of meat at Bernie's can't even come close to any of the groceries in the area ... (and) Drew's sells more variety of certain items and offers rentals."

Other businesses that closed recently include and Foxys Bar, which closed not because of financial reasons but because the owner was simply ready to move on.

On the flip side are businesses such as Pear & Simple and Baltica Tea, both businesses that have been opened for about two years or less and continue to serve the community.

How can business survive in Port?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments.