Giving people a reason to come Downtown has proved to be the right foundation for a resurgence of retail at the Landing.
The riverfront shopping and entertainment center is experiencing its lowest retail vacancy level in more than a decade, said Landing Marketing Director Michael Chambliss.
In the past two years, eight new stores have leased space to make a total of 23 shops and attractions in operation at 2 Independent Drive.
Chambliss said it started with Aly Cat, a custom gift and engraving shop, and has led to stores selling clothing for men and women, handcrafted personal care products and a gourmet food shop.
Chambliss said the idea was just the opposite of a suburban mall or big-box retailer.
“We reached out to boutique shops. Our strategy was to encourage new businesses that offer unique products you can only get in Jacksonville at the Landing,” he said.
The Landing’s location near the Northbank’s two hotels offers an advantage to the retailers by providing customers other than local residents and Downtown workers.
“We’re right between the Hyatt and the Omni. They stay full of visitors and tourists, which allows our tenants to create a national and international customer base,” Chambliss said.
In addition to the retailers, there are more restaurants and nightclubs at the Landing plus art galleries and two museums with gift shops.
“Now, when people come to the Landing, there is something here,” said Doug Ganson, owner of Sundrez. The shop sells cards, gifts, snacks and drinks.
There also are items often needed by travelers and Downtown workers and a contract U.S. Postal Service station.
Ganson has been in business Downtown since 1983 and has seen the neighborhood move through phases since Jake Godbold was mayor. Godbold served as mayor from 1979-87.
“The Landing is about entertainment and events,” Ganson said.
He said he’d like to see everyone in North Florida visit Downtown at least six times a year.
“They can come here when they are entertaining visitors from out of town or attending a sports or entertainment venue. When people have a reason to come Downtown, they’ll
find a place to park and they’ll walk a few blocks,” said Ganson.
“You just have to find what people want and give it to them,” said Chambliss.
356-2466