From a press release:
Grove Arcade, Retail Spaces at 100% Occupancy, Just in Time for Summer — And 100% Locally-Owned
(Asheville, NC) The Grove Arcade is pleased to announce that it is fully occupied and ready for a busy summer. Its most recent tenant, The Watchmaker’s Shop, brings the Arcade’s ground floor of shops, restaurants, galleries and daily essentials to 100% occupancy. Over the years occupancy has been good, yet this is the first time since December, 2007 it has been 100% full.
The Arcade is home to 36 locally-owned businesses. Residents of WNC and tourists alike have numerous choices from a hand-crafted Italian dinner to a one-of-a-kind piece of fine art to a hair cut. “I am so pleased to see the variety of offerings the Arcade has attracted,” says Executive Director Ruth Summers. “Considering the ups and downs of the economy over the last few years, I am thrilled to see the Arcade full with this collection of outstanding merchants. It truly reflects the building’s original purpose.” The Grove Arcade is home to 7 restaurants, 21 shops and galleries, 8 essential services, and the open air Portico Market.
The Grove Arcade has been the only home to a few businesses. Asheville North Carolina Home Crafts, Enter the Earth, Fresh Quarter Produce, Marc Edward & Company Hair Design, Mountain Made, Mission at the Grove and True Confections have been in the building since its rebirth in 2002. “We were the first store to open on the inside of the building,” said owner Melinda Knies of Mountain Made. “The economy wasn’t great but we worked hard and knew that the renovated Grove Arcade was going to anchor this end of downtown. Our location in the Arcade is an asset and a long way from empty halls and boarded up windows.” Businesses such as Four Corners Home and Makeup at the Grove Arcade came in as fledgling ideas and have grown both in floor space and product offerings. Four Corners Home now occupies 10 times its original space and Makeup at the Grove Arcade has developed a signature product line. “The Grove Arcade is not only an Asheville historical landmark, but also an anchor in downtown and a small business incubator all under on roof. Yes, I am very proud of this!” said Summers.
As well, Grove Arcade’s apartments are 100% full. Business is good at the Grove Arcade.
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