Creating a destination street with a unique atmosphere requires a business environment that allows independent retailers to thrive. But that is far from an easy endeavor.
With real estate prices rising and many national outlets trying to expand to fashionable places like University City, it is difficult for local business to compete and be successful.
To keep the retail from resembling a suburban mall, the landlord -- which in most cases is Penn -- must be open to providing alternative financial arrangements for independent businesses, rather than simply aiming for highest profit.
Metropolitan Bakery owner Jim Lilly said besides establishing stable relations with the landlord, independent businesses must be able to offer a product or service that is genuinely needed by the community.
And the preference of many undergraduates for large chains offering cheap food and brand-name clothing might decrease the viability of many independent business.
But some small businesses like the used bookstore the Last Word have a niche market that is generally embraced by the community.
Last Word owner Larry Maltz said that a good location as well as reasonable rent are the most important factors for the success of his business, which is located near 39th and Walnut streets.
From the University's perspective, the building-up of a substantial number of local businesses is also a difficult process.
"I hope that people don't think that somehow we wake up one day and [independent business owners] are knocking on our doors and open business the next day," Senior Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate Services Omar Blaik said, citing the the Last Word as an example of a business that took several years to bring to the area.
But Lilly maintained that if Penn is dedicated to small businesses and the community patronizes them, they will thrive.
With a new retail area, chances are, a mix of large outlets and locally owned stores will arise.
"As far as retail goes," Lilly said, "I kind of see that there's enough room for almost everyone ... [but] I'd like to see as many small, independent people who are from the local area as the market can stand."
-- Alex Dubilet
