Sep 7, 2007

Focus on reviving north, south campuses leaves area across from heart of OSU hurtingBy Tracy TurnerColumbusDispatch.com

Lackluster sales are forcing Jo Killian to close her gift shop, Ruby’s, after 30 years. The shop is across from Ohio State University’s central campus.

Mood rings, pet rocks and earth shoes were all the rage when Ruby’s gift shop opened 30 years ago, across from the Ohio State University campus.

But times have changed for the area, known as East of High, particularly in the past 10 years.

The sprawling retail complex known as South Campus Gateway has focused attention on the retailers in the areas near 11th Avenue.

As a result, Ruby’s neighborhood, opposite the central part of campus, is faltering. Tattoo parlors, music shops and fast-food restaurants now are edging out mom and pop retailers.

Ruby’s owner Jo Killian has finally decided that she can’t afford to stay open any longer.

“Business has always been up at some points and down at others,” she said. “But now it’s down and it’s stayed down because there’s no foot traffic on this part of High Street for a retail store like this.

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