Without benefit of fact, there has been a great deal of rumoring lately on the subject of which Astoria businesses are contemplating a move to Warrenton’s big box store enclave.
No doubt a move to a destination retail location will be appealing to some businesses.
Most talked about is Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store. Local staff members there have been the source of the rumor, but corporate folk and the store manager are mum. The official word we received is: "Currently we have no plans to move to Warrenton."
Of course that’s what they have to say, because it is their business, not ours, until Jo-Ann’s decides otherwise. The same is true of J.C. Penney.
Local J.C. Penney officials say "No way will we move, we’re here to stay." And, modest upgrades are in the works for the Astoria store. Those factors might lead us to believe we can breathe easy about losing Penney’s. But do we really have that luxury?
It isn’t my mission to add fuel to the rumor fire, but I do want to make a point that the Astoria community is unlikely to know what large corporate-owned stores will do until they sign a lease – and want to tell us.
Locally-owned stores are likely to take a more sympathetic approach – hopefully we’ll have a heads-up should an owner decide his or her future fortune is tied to Warrenton.
Concern about business migration to the south side of Youngs Bay is being raised in a variety of circles recently, including City of Astoria representatives, the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association, other economic development entities, and among downtown business owners.
Downtown vacancies, especially large spaces, pose a threat to the vibrancy of downtown Astoria, and a mitigation strategy is in order.
Business owner brainstorming sessions are required, landlords should be talking to their tenants and thinking ahead about "Plan B" in the event vacancies do arise, and entrepreneurs might be considering the opportunities presented in downtown Astoria should the threat of business relocation to Warrenton prove to be real.
Warrenton has decided its future, and urban renewal dollars gained from large-scale development there will fund a significant amount of improvements to its downtown and riverfront areas — sure to be a boon to small businesses situated in those areas.
Downtown Astoria’s fate hinges on its ability to hatch a plan that speaks to the town’s unique qualities and fills the gaps created by business migration to Warrenton’s big box development.