By Rosanna Trestman
How can a town with a Five Star Library, endless charm, Infinity Hall and flattering reviews from the press fail to keep businesses in the black for the long haul? In my last View from the Green (October 2010) I celebrated Norfolk’s renaissance, replete the hustle and bustle of tourists attracted by unique enterprises. A thriving downtown substantiated the vibrant identity we had been trying to create for so long.
Suddenly, we are faced with three empty storefronts. Dina’s (formerly Mizza’s) and Carnegie Hill Antiques are now defunct, and a realtor’s sign sits in front of The Pub. Granted, it’s a struggle to survive the winter, but many a Norfolk venture has managed to thrive despite the Icebox climate.
What went wrong? One theory is that you have to give the people what they want. Clearly, we can support a pizza parlor. Mizza served up pies for seven years. Additionally, he, and later his cousin, provided a venue for parties and cleverly offered waitstaff, use of the kitchen and clean up at added cost. Dina’s, unfortunately, did not please the people. The food quality plummeted, as did the service. The crowds withdrew.
It helps if you give the people what they need. The reason for the departure of Carnegie Hill is not a mystery. It does not indicate substandard merchandise, rather it appears to be a reflection of the local economy, which can only support so many antique stores.
The Pub, perhaps, was overwhelmed by the task at hand. As first time proprietors adjacent to a more visible restaurant that opened with much fanfare, they faced a rather daunting challenge. Also, the lunch crowd had the option of another competitor, Station Place Cafe. Like the glut of antique stores, it seems that Norfolk can only patronize so many eateries.
How to fill the void? The most mentioned tenants are a grocery store and a general store carrying hardware as well as other basics. The question is, how can they survive in a town this small? In the not too distant past a cafe-grocery store stood in the space formerly occupied by Mizza’s. While the cafe was a lively breakfast spot, it failed as a grocery store because the inventory was too heavy in luxury items like high-end cheese, expensive condiments and olive oils. There was a small selection of organic vegetables, which didn’t move.
Norfolk might be able to support a grocery store if it carried practical items, obviating the need to drive a fair distance to Stop & Shop. Of course, the selection will be smaller and the prices a bit higher, but if there is a critical mass of goods, it’s convenience will compensate shoppers. Besides, Norfolkians are a pretty loyal lot.
Likewise, a hardware store stocked with the essentials and maybe a little more, will save the drive to Winsted or Torrington. Perhaps it could include extra services like key making and knife sharpening. Two hardware stores have already failed in town, but I would hope that people will “think locally” to keep our town economically intact. As a plus, general stores are a fun place to congregate.
How about a conglomerate of several operations such as an indoor farmer’s market, a book nook, furniture repair, sporting goods swap…all under one roof?
Many a town committee continues to brainstorm on how best to promote local enterprises. I guess it’s back to the drawing board.