Steppin' Out Nite problems

The minimal success of Steppin' Out Nite is due to lack of quality stores to attract shoppers. But the reality is the kind of retail located in University City doesn't support the program. If the University wants to get more people walking around the area at night to promote safety, there have to be quality stores to draw them out. Who needs to make a late night run to a camera shop? And stores that students frequent late in the evening -- Kinko's and CVS -- are already open later than most retail on Walnut Street. Only higher quality stores like the Gap will attract a greater number of shoppers and increase foot traffic but they aren't here, and that is why the program is not working as well as administrators anticipated. The University needs to hurry its efforts to improve retail around campus. The construction of the Barnes & Noble book store and the proposed increase of retail with Sansom Commons will help create a better atmosphere for shopping. Unfortunately, those distant future plans will not help the program now. Other factors -- such as weather and shorter daylight hours -- might have also palyed a part in cutting into Steppin' Out Nite's success. According to some retailers, the program provided extra security and slightly increase businees during the evening. There are enough potential benefits from a program like Steppin' Out Nite that the University should continue it. But only improved retail and increased security will attract more people to University City at night, making the area safer.