Downtown still open for business
Although some of the mill shops and other downtown stores closed their doors this past year, downtown Allentown is not going out of business.
In fact, the business district along and off Main Street is growing, according to Allentown Business Community Association (ABCA) President Janet Trafow. Two new stores have just opened, and others have already expanded or are getting ready to grow.
“Yes, with 65 members the ABCA is growing,” Trafow said. “We have quite a few new members, and we definitely have more businesses opening than closing.”
The ABCA works to boost downtown sales and organizes various events throughout the year that aim to make Allentown a shopping destination for locals and visitors. In August, stores participated in passport shopping, during which customers had opportunities to qualify for weekly prize drawings. The next big event — the Fall Harvest Festival — will take place Oct. 10-11 and boasts food, entertainment, crafts and sales for the thousands of visitors who descend on Allentown to attend the event each year.
“We literally draw 10,000 visitors or better each year,” said Trafow, who owns The Quilter’s Cottage.
Although ABCA events like the festival, Holiday Open House, Spring Stroll and Pet Expo are a boon to business district sales, the downtown stores rely just as heavily on local traffic. That’s why the ABCA works closely with Allentown officials, organizations and residents.
“We try to help the community and support whatever they have going on,” Trafow said. “We do a community yard sale for residents and pay for all of the publicity and advertising.”
The businesses also aim to give the community a variety of stores that sell necessities and other goods within walking distance, according to Trafow.
