Sarasota, Florida -- In just three weeks, The Mall at University Town Center will open with 100 shops and restaurants in Sarasota. But what does that mean for the smaller retail stores downtown?
"We're the kind of store where you can taste it before you buy it," says Robert Kay, who opened Vom Fass, a German store specializing in fine liquor, oils and vinegars on downtown Sarasota's Main Street last year.
"With a few exceptions you can try anything in our store even 40-year-old cognac and single malt scotch," he said.
TAKE A LOOK: Facebook page for Vom Fass
Kay says he has had a good year but worries about that big, bright shiny new mall opening up the road next month.
"Our concern is it real create a big vacuum in retail shopping industry," says Kay.
Economic experts say UTC will draw customers away at least in the beginning.
"I think we will see a dip in downtown shoppers for 5 or 6 months but then they'll return especially once the traffic nightmares of that area come into play," says Norman Gollub, Downtown Economic Development Coordinator.
UTC has 880,000 square feet of shopping and dining, half of which are unique to the market but Kay says downtown Sarasota is unique, too.
"Downtown Sarasota is a lively vibrant place with entertainment venues, the Opera House, the ballet, a lot of great restaurants, unique shops," says Kay.
More than 200 shops and restaurants not found in a mall and all within a 10-minute walk to the Bayfront. It's a message merchants are sending out under a new marketing blitz called "We are DOWNTOWN."
Ad inserts are already appearing in local magazines with the logo "We are DOWNTOWN." Soon ads will show up on TV, radio, in newspapers and the web and that's not all -- the "We are DOWNTOWN" banners will appear along Main Street.
The number of businesses downtown between U.S. 301 and U.S. 41 from Fruitville Road to Ringling Boulevard includes 14 art galleries, 9 jewelry stores, 23 clothing stores, 65 food establishments, 26 salons and barbershops, 30 home furnishings, 18 specialty retail, 3 dry cleaners, 2 book stores, 2 auto service, 1 movie theater and 3 nightclubs including McCurdy's Comedy Club.
Gollub says the campaign is a good reminder for local residents. "It will remind people we are here."
Gollub says merchants and downtown organizations have raised more than $70,000 to help fund the advertising campaign. The goal is $125,000. Merchants and downtown organizations are forming a company called Downtown Marketing Cooperative of Sarasota.
The group is finalizing "We are DOWNTOWN" banners to appear on light posts along Main Street and downtown.
Kay says his best advertisement is his product and customer service. "Our focus is for the people to have great experience when they come into our store," he said.
