Feb 28, 2009

Downtown businesses remain upbeatBy Carol Britton MeyerWickedLocal.com

Hingham, MA – While some downtown merchants are finding that business is slow during these challenging economic times, they’re looking on the bright side and finding creative ways to attract customers.

Other businesses are thriving. Country Weddings bridal shop on Station Street is busier than ever on weekends and is offering extended hours. “Brides are out there,” said Debbie Dulka, who owns the shop with her daughter, Jennifer Hausmann. “People are still getting married!” Their customers come from as far away as New Hampshire and Rhode Island. “They hear about us through word of mouth and on the Internet,” Dulka said.

Downtown business owners provided updates on how they are faring at a recent Hingham Downtown Association meeting. “We’re each other’s best spokespeople,” said H.D.A. Executive Director Judy Sneath. Dulka is a good example of this. “After meeting with clients, I send them out to eat lunch at one of our local restaurants,” she said.

Laurie Campbell of Whitney Gordon jewelers on Main Street said the most common question posed by customers is, “How’s business?”

“I consider myself fortunate — my doors are still open at a time when many small and large businesses are closing theirs,” she said.

While it’s a quiet time of year for Johannah’s Jewelry Boutique on North Street, owner Kathleen Picardi recently added a new line of bags (“This Old Bag”) made from recycled materials that feature images of Nantasket Beach. She suggested that downtown businesses brainstorm to come up with regularly scheduled community events that will attract more business “and let people know who’s here.”

Megan Ullman of Hingham Square Gallery said business has been steady. “There seems to be a lot of foot traffic going to the Coop [next door],” she said.

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