Volume 1 Issue 3 April 2024 Download the PDF
Welcome to The Burlington Anchor, a monthly publication of Main Street Burlington (MSB) and the New London Alliance (NLA), devoted to informing the community of issues impacting our downtown and ways to get involved. You can always find the latest issue on our website here at msbnj.org/news.
Survey Reveals Burlington Residents’ Desires for High Street
A recent poll by MSB and the NLA provides valuable insights into what Burlington area residents want to see on the city’s main commercial corridor, High Street. The survey results offer a window into the community’s preferences and highlight opportunities for local businesses and development.
High Street Potential. The High Street area draws residents for a myriad of reasons. Our poll revealed that most respondents (52%) do frequent the area, with 1-2 visits in the past week. What’s bringing them here?
Well, it turns out that nearly 48% report regular leisurely strolls downtown, with a significant portion of respondents (34%) making trips to the post office. This is followed by grabbing a coffee (34%) or unwinding with a drink after work (23%). Clearly, the potential for more commercial activity is there—we just have to expand what’s available. So we asked residents what they wanted.
Dining Out. The desire for diversity is palpable among Burlington residents, with a keen interest in new dining experiences. The most desired restaurant types are an old-fashioned deli sandwich shop, which 99 respondents (50%) expressed interest in, a local farm-to-table restaurant (94 respondents, 48%), and a bistro with outdoor dining (91 respondents, 46%). This was followed by a brunch cafe, with 88 respondents (45%) indicating they would eat there if one opened. Sushi/Japanese food and a soup and salad café also garnered significant interest, with 84 (43%) and 71 (36%) respondents indicating interest. In addition, 54 (27%) would like to see a BBQ restaurant downtown.
Shopping. For retail, residents want unique stores that cater to hobbies and lifestyle interests. Residents would love to see a bookstore (45%) and a home goods and decor store (41%), perhaps recalling those that recently closed in the past few years. There also appears to be demand for stores related to hobbies and crafts, with art supplies and craft stores (35%), stationery, cards, and wrapping supplies (25%), and handmade soap, candles, and bath products (26%) all ranking relatively high.
The most popular clothing store option is a shoe store, with (37%) indicating they would make purchases if it opened in the area. Closely following are a sneaker shop focused on brands like Nike (33%), and an activewear/athleisure store (35%). A vintage clothing store also garnered significant interest, with (32%) expressing a desire for such a store.
Activities. Beyond commerce and cuisine, our poll shed light on the community’s social fabric. Large-scale events like fairs and parades reign supreme, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging among residents. The most popular activity by far was the Wood Street Fair, attended by 74% of respondents. Live music at a local bar or venue was the second most popular activity, with 48% attendance. Local parades were also highly attended events. The data indicate a strong interest in new entertainment and nightlife venues, particularly those focused on music, comedy, and performing arts. Family-friendly options like movie nights (33%) and arcades (26%) appeal to a significant portion of respondents. What Burlington City wants most is an outdoor music concert venue, with (57%) expressing interest in attending. Next in line are entertainment and nightlife options like improv comedy club (38%), jazz bar (32%), board game cafe (31%), karaoke bar (26%), and local theater club (24%).
Fitness and wellness establishments garnered mixed levels of interest, with a yoga studio/Pilates (35%) and a wellness center focused on nutrition (36%) being more popular than options like a boot camp gym (14%) or CrossFit gym (16%). Another notable response was interest in a dance club/school with studio space (25%).
Historical Tourism. Overall, residents think that visitors would be most interested in immersive experiences, outdoor activities, and informational resources that bring the city’s history to life. Outdoor recreational activities like canoeing and hiking at Burlington Island proved highly popular, with 66% of respondents indicating that preference. A significant portion (60%) expressed interest in “A Freedom Trail” marked with historical markers highlighting the city’s connection to freedom or independence, 53% favored opening the city’s historical buildings and 35% expressed interest in a welcome center. Historical reenactments or living history events could be an appealing draw for 35% of respondents seeking immersive experiences. Narrated trolley tours (35%) and attractions related to the city’s artistic or mysterious aspects (36%) also garnered notable interest.
As we reflect on these insights, we’re better equipped to collectively shape the future of our downtown. Please continue to make your desires heard. Let’s not leave development up to chance.
Business Spotlight
Cedar’s Grand Bazaar Nostalgic for department store shopping? Wish you could experience a Moroccan Market? Cedar’s Grand Bazaar on High Street offers both! Enter a wonderland filled with traditional Moroccan carpets, hammered metal serving dishes, inlaid wood chess boards, leather goods, luggage, and whimsical Turkish lights as well as everyday items such as bedsheets, comforters, fans, and throw pillows. Cedar’s brims with affordable gifts and household items to make shopping in person a truly delightful experience for your senses and wallet.
335 High Street (201) 966-4604
Highlight Creative Studio is In the House!
Everything a photographer needs in a studio! 2,000 square feet of creative content space and a photography studio located in the heart of Burlington City. With natural light and high ceilings, this space is perfect for capturing beautiful portraits, creating engaging content, as well as hosting memorable events, meetings, or workshops. With its natural light and spacious layout, it’s also the perfect place to host photo shoots, podcasts, workshops, or intimate gatherings.
23 E Broad St Suite 1
End of an Era. The Burlington downtown community mourns the passing of James Waitz, lifelong Burlington resident, owner, and 3rd generation watchmaker of Waitz’s Jewelers at 320 High Street. A service was held on April 26 at Page Funeral Home.
Downtown Takeover
Register your businesses or organization to participate in a Fox TV 29 “Downtown Takeover.” Host Bob Kelly will come with a camera crew to interview merchants and publicize their business. Date TBD. Be sure to update your listing and register at https://form.jotform.com/240354466849163
Free Business Resources
The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) has created a Small Business Manual, with information about state and local permits and inspections, financial assistance programs, lease contracts, commercial real estate transactions, and a variety of other topics related to owning and operating a small business. It is available online for download at www.nj.gov/state/bac/small-business-manual/.
State Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses
Small Business Improvement Grant – NJEDA will help fund internal and storefront improvements up to $50k
Small Business Lease Grant – NJEDA is for new leases (and lease extensions) and covers up to 20% of the lease payments
Small Business E-Commerce Support Program – NJEDA will pair you with independent marketing consultants who can address various digital marketing needs at no cost to the small business.
Burlington County Grant to Military and Veteran-owned Businesses may apply for a grant for losses incurred in 2019-2020 due to the pandemic.
Main Street Burlington is a non-profit community organization comprised of residents, businesses, commercial property owners, and municipal representatives seeking to revitalize the downtown. Our public meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month, from 5:30-7 pm at The Dime, 351 High Street.
The Burlington Anchor is a monthly publication of Main Street Burlington and the New London Alliance, Burlington New Jersey, available online and in downtown stores. $35 Sponsorships cover the cost of print distribution each month. To sponsor an issue, please donate online and include the information you would like to include as part of the sponsorship.
