We’re sorry to see Dick Bruhn’s close its doors. The men’s
clothing store had been a downtown staple in Hollister for
decades.
We’re sorry to see Dick Bruhn’s close its doors. The men’s clothing store had been a downtown staple in Hollister for decades.
Operating a men’s clothing store in a small town like Hollister isn’t easy.
Times are tough for small chain stores and others. And competition from outlets and big box stores in Gilroy makes things more difficult. Not just for clothing stores, but for many downtown merchants.
Although the closure of Dick Bruhn’s is a loss, we believe the vacancy creates an opportunity for a new business.
Downtown Hollister is on its way to becoming more pedestrian-friendly with the completion of the Highway 25 bypass, and this is a great time for a new business to open its doors. We would like to see a new business come in that offers something new to the downtown area. Something besides mortgages, alcohol or antiques.
In order to thrive, the downtown business climate needs an injection of excitement. Changes to the downtown area last year paint a bleak picture. In 2006, 19 businesses opened and nine closed downtown. Twelve real estate, mortgage or finance businesses opened downtown, compared to two new retailers and two new restaurants. That’s pretty dismal. But now is not the time to give up hope. Downtown Hollister is a shadow of its former self, but it’s not too late to turn that around.
Despite hardships, many of historic downtown Hollister’s businesses continue to make money.
Muenzer’s Cyclery and Sports Center, She’s and Maddux Jewelry are examples of businesses that have created a strong base of loyal customers and been able to adapt to the changing downtown marketplace.
We hope to see a new business take over the vacancy left by Dick Bruhn’s. A business that will fit in with plans for a revitalized downtown. A business that can attract customers to other downtown merchants and retailers.
As Jerry Muenzer, owner of Muenzer’s Cyclery and Sports Center, recently told the Free Lance: “Downtown is definitely going through some changes. Instead of getting down in the dumps, we have to look for opportunities.”
We see an incredible opportunity for a new business to set up shop and really make a difference in the downtown area. We hope local merchants, downtown property owners and elected officials can work together to attract quality businesses that can benefit our city.
