Wilton Drive Welcomes Season with Open Arms

As you walk down Wilton Drive from City Hall to Rosie's you may notice that many storefronts display signs saying 'For Lease' or 'Going out of Business'. A leisurely stroll one afternoon revealed that approximately 34,000 square feet of commercial space was available for sale or rent, not including new construction or the space available in Gables Wilton Park, which is currently mostly vacant, even though the residential component seems to be faring better.

Many businesses, including most hospitality venues, have seen sharp decreases in revenue this summer. Many entrepreneurs say they have experienced one of the worst summers in recent memory.

Almost every strip center on the drive contains some vacancies, with the noticeable exception of the strip anchored by Zoo Two to the south and Karl Grace to the north.

So why, even though the Drive appears vibrant, are many businesses suffering? The answer is quite simple.

First, despite recent reports, the economic climate is still not as good as many economists have declared. People are not spending as much money as they used to, and instead using every dime to pay for necessary expenditures and not to indulge in superfluous activities, such as shopping, dining and partying.

The bars and clubs may look full, but the average customer receipt is down. Customers who used to order top shelf beverages are now opting for well drinks instead. Patrons once ordering expensive bottles or wine with dinner are now ordering by the glass, if at all.

After a difficult summer, Sidelines Sports Bar owner Laurie Whittaker is hoping business will pick up this fall. "While this past summer has been economically difficult, not only for our country, but also for local businesses, most have managed to stay busy," she says. "We at Sidelines are anticipating a flourishing business this coming season due to an excellent opportunity for international visitors to come to Fort Lauderdale," as a result of the weak dollar, "a lift in the spirit of all Americans, and a brighter economy."

Whittaker is not alone in her thinking. In a positive sign for the hospitality industry, a new establishment called Wilton's Bier Garden is scheduled to open in November of this year, just in time for the holidays and Matty's on the Drive has announced another expansion. It has only been a few months since the establishment initially expanded into a space adjacent to the original location, now the popular watering hole took over an additional space formerly occupied by PC Lauderdale, which is still in business, but decided to relocate off the Drive.

"It's not all roses for everyone on the drive," states Reece Darham of Island City Health & Fitness. Despite experiencing a great summer, Darham has heard stories of struggle within neighboring businesses

Island City will celebrate their second anniversary in November and Darham expects the busiest season yet for his establishment. "The economy is still down, and people are spending less on entertainment and leisure as a general rule," he states. "We are all small businesses here and are so easily affected by our local economy."

Darham has witnessed an increase in business this summer even though the majority of American's have been cutting back on fitness memberships. "Our membership is more than double last year," Darham tells SFGN, "which I believe is a testament to our philosophy of genuine care and concern for our members in providing a clean, healthy, and friendly environment."

While some businesses such as Book Nook, Photo Impression and Scoop have closed their doors, others are leasing space on the Drive. Exit Ryan Scott Realty will be opening a new office, in addition to its current location, in the 1,300 square foot space formerly occupied by Rock Hard.

"The dynamic of Wilton Drive is ideal for our expansion," states Scott Morreau, broker/owner of the firm. "The amount of visitors and foot traffic in the area should be great for business."

The space, which is planned to open in October, will feature interactive touch screen displays, so people can browse through inventory after store hours. Morreau is optimistic about the expansion and the housing market in general. "We think it's a great time to be in the market for a home. Prices are mortgage rates are low," in addition to a large inventory to choose from.

Consumer and business sentiment may be mixed, but it is yet to be seen what the fall season has to bring to local businesses.