City authorities ask public opinion about the future of empty storefronts in the GR center

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Downtown Grand Rapids is buzzing with activity for ArtPrize, which means a lot of people are out walking.

City authorities have taken new steps to keep pedestrian traffic flowing long after the annual event ends.

“We have a limited number of spaces downtown, and we thought, ‘Why don’t we ask people what they want?’” said Richard App, retention specialist for Grand Rapids Retail Retention Attraction.

The app helped install 12 new QR codes on empty shop fronts.

“There are still some openings and we want to be able to fill them and acquire the right companies in those spaces,” App added.

QR codes will connect people to the survey, which is open to everyone and includes seven questions. Visitors should be aware that the survey can only be completed once.

“What kind of business do you want there? Do you want soft goods, retail? Do you want grocery? Do you want, you know… Do you want a bookstore?” App said.

The answers to these questions can help you attract new business.

“It will be better if we start recruiting if we know exactly what companies operate on the market,” he added.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. tracks downtown data, including retail vacancy rates. The data shows that vacancies are up 6 percent since July of this year.

“We have various grants and innovative solutions that we can use to help businesses grow,” App said.

Additionally, the data shows that nine new companies have opened in the city centre this year.

“We see companies looking at Grand Rapids and saying, ‘I don’t know what you’re doing, but I’m curious to find out,’” App said.

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