On the Street

Mike Held, Keep In Touch
"This is our first season, but based on what the numbers were estimated to be, they are down. Talking to our neighbors in the mall (Shops of Marco) it’s the same thing. Although people are spending money, they’re being more cautious this year. They’re looking for value. The (contract post office in the store) is busy, with a lot of people trying to express payments for bills. The strategy now is value, and we make sure our cards and gifts blow away Internet prices."

Mike Fagan, Kerry’s Cafe
"We’ve been in business since September. We see a little increase in business, but not as much as we expected. That is attributable to the economy. I think everybody feels it’s a little bit down, and not as busy as last year, but it’s not a train wreck. It’s slow coming to the station. We keep putting out good food, and trying to build the business on a good reputation. We do a lot of ethnic cooking, including Polish and Greek food, sit down or take-out."

Kim Bui, Elite Nails & Spa
"So far it’s been good. I have a lot of local clients, and we get a lot of recommendations. We’ve been in business here (at the Town Center) for a year. I don’t know about the summer coming up, but right now it’s OK. I’m hoping we get really busy in the next two months. We see a lot of cars here, and the parking lot is full. The market is steady, because women still like to spend money on feeling good. They are spending a little less on luxury (services at the spa)."