Editor's Query - How can main street retailers overcome parking limitations to remain competitive?
By Caroline Fossi, Retail business reporter, The Post and Courier
Merchants in the main shopping district of historic Charleston, S.C. say local customers are hesitant to make the trek to the downtown peninsula because they feel it's so hard to find parking. The issue is complicated by the fact that there are several construction projects going on nearby that have blocked off streets and temporarily eliminated a large parking deck.
Discussion Questions: How important is parking to retailers (particularly those in downtown settings), given that most suburbs now have malls and strip shopping centers with free and ample parking? What are your thoughts on how long most shoppers are willing to drive around to find a parking spot, before losing patience, and how much they're willing to pay for parking? How much do shoppers' busy lifestyles (or demands for convenience) play into this? Any thoughts on how retailers can entice customers to make the trip downtown?