Downtown Plano finds new life
The cash register at the Candy Bouquet and Gift Store rings steadily as customers stroll into the downtown Plano storefront.
Owner Barb Cole said this has been the best summer for business since she opened her store on 15th Street eight years ago.
She credits a change in lifestyle fueled by a tighter economy and soaring gas prices. More people are working and shopping closer to home and using mass transit.
“Summers are usually slow, but we’ve seen a lot more people taking an interest recently,” she said.
She is also thankful for recent efforts to spread the word about the advantages of living, working and shopping in downtown Plano.
Every second Saturday throughout the summer, the Historic Downtown Plano Association hosts Downtown at Sundown: Summer Nights, a street festival with live music, food and vendors.
The association, which represents merchants, property owners and downtown residents, also hosts similar festivals during the rest of the year.
