New arrivals help ease the loss of businesses in downtown Glen Ellyn

Activity in downtown Glen Ellyn is shaking up.

Four downtown businesses have closed within the last two months, and two others are up for sale.

But despite the slowing economy, seven new businesses have either signed leases, are coming soon or have very recently opened in downtown Glen Ellyn. Two other businesses have relocated there.

The overall changes have officials with Glen Ellyn's economic development corporation talking positive about the viability of the village's downtown.

"There is a general economic climate that's accepting small businesses," said Janie Patch, the economic development corporation's executive director. "If you go elsewhere, you're going to see a similar kind of turnover happening."

The list of new businesses include Abundance Center & Gallery, Dancing Lights, This is Me Photography, 2Toots Train Whistle Grill, Skywriter T-Shirt, Bells & Whistles Snackery and Paparazzi Pup.

Meanwhile, A Beautiful Smile and The Bike Shop both have relocated within the business district.

Rich Ducar, owner of The Bike Shop, said he moved his business from 449 Main St. to 495 Main St. because the new space has twice the room and more foot traffic.

With gas prices on the rise, Ducar said, more commuters are riding their bikes to work.

That's one reason his sales have increased.

"We needed to expand," Ducar said. "We needed more room on the sales floor for bikes and other accessories."

As for what's happening in downtown Glen Ellyn, Ducar said the number of stores opening and closing recently have been balancing out.

"Every time something closes, something new seems to be coming in," he said.

Jessica Pekny, owner of The Renaissance Art Studio Ltd., said even though there are empty storefronts, new businesses are coming in and customers remain loyal.

After recently attending the first group meeting with Town Builder Studios, the consulting firm hired to conduct a downtown study, Pekny said it's refreshing to see more people working to keep downtown vibrant.

"The meeting was really good and makes me really happy the village is taking this step," she said. "They're listening."

Suzanne Cahill, owner of Maison Suzanne, said her business is doing so well that she's opening an Oak Park branch in June.

Although she realizes downtown Glen Ellyn is more empty than it used to be, she said she believes the mix of small retailers is an asset for the community.

"I think things are going to turn around in the next couple years," Cahill said. "This downtown is very, very important to a lot of residents of the town."

Patch said there are some large spaces that vendors are interested in.

"There are efforts being made, and progress is going in the right direction," she said. "There are some really fun things going on right now, and I think when the timing is appropriate and announcements can be made, the residents will be thrilled."

Changing downtown

A list of businesses that have recently opened, closed or relocated within downtown Glen Ellyn.

Newcomers:

• Abundance Center & Gallery, 488 Crescent Blvd.

• Dancing Lights, 473 Main St.

• This is Me Photography, 499 Pennsylvania Ave.

• 2Toots Train Whistle Grill, 450 Main St.

• Skywriter T-Shirt, 532 Crescent Blvd.

• Bells & Whistles Snackery, 401 Main St.

• Paparazzi Pup, 449 Main St.

Closed:

• Duck Duck Goose, 495 Main St.

• Cold Stone Creamery, 450 Main St.

• The Water Massage Store, 485 Main St.

• Washington Mutual Bank, 530 Crescent Blvd.

For sale:

• Good Works Gallery, 485 Main St.

• Enchantments, 534 Pennsylvania Ave.

Mixing it up:

• Villa Bianca, 476 Main St., no longer offers retail items and has scaled back to offer interior design services.

• A Beautiful Smile moved from 498 Hillside Ave. to 582 Crescent Blvd.

• The Bike Shop moved from 449 Main St. to 495 Main St.

• Giggles and Gaggles, 494 Main St., changed its name to Paisley on Main.

Source: Glen Ellyn Economic Development Corp.