Signs that advertise available space are prominent on the windows of empty storefronts along Palisades Avenue in the heart of Englewood's downtown shopping district.
ENGLEWOOD -- Signs that advertise available space are prominent on the windows of empty storefronts along Palisades Avenue in the heart of Englewood's downtown shopping district.
A man walks by two empty storefronts on Palisade Avenue in downtown Englewood. Officials and realtors say the changing landscape of retail shopping has affected this area, filled with ritzy boutiques, chain stores and a host of eateries.
"Englewood is not the only one with empty stores," said Carol Rauscher, president of the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. "Two things have contributed to the decline, online shopping and off-price stores, and that's something we don't have and won't get."
Recent departures from downtown include Victoria's Secret, Chico's, Nine West and Wendy's. The downtown currently has a 5 percent vacancy rate, according to recent survey by the city's Economic Development Corp.
City Council President Wayne Hammer said the vacancy rate appears low but that's because downtown has a large number of stores. He called the vacancies overwhelming.
"There is an absolute push for the right mix of retail," Hammer said. "We are having a lot of conversations."
Commercial rents in downtown Englewood range from $20 to $50 a square foot, according to Stephanie Greco, a commercial realtor who covers the N.Y. Metro Area and whose office is nearby on Park Avenue.
Greco said the problems in Englewood are shared by many downtowns across the area like Hackensack and Westfield. Greco said name brand stores that expanded into downtown areas pulled back once they realized they could do more volume at places unaffected by the weather, such as malls.
"We are living in a new world in terms of retail, a lot of people are shopping online," Greco said. "Downtowns need to offer something people can't get online - a meal, services like a hair salon or shoe repair or an experience."
Rauscher said this year the Chamber, which has 240 members from both Englewood and Englewood Cliffs, plans to build on a number of events which helped attract people in 2016. These include a sidewalk sale, a Latino festival and Fashion/Fun night out.
Last week, business owners said the purposed Bergen-Hudson Light Rail extension into Englewood would draw much-needed traffic, such as when the Bergen PAC hosts events.
"The light rail is coming but not for the next couple of years," said Rauscher. "We are looking at solutions now."
The chamber also plans to target people moving into recent city developments, nearby communities, and a growing Asian population in Bergen County. The Chamber also has a new website and social media campaign to attract customers.
On nearby Dean street, filled with boutiques selling woman's apparel, more space available signs pop-up along going out of business signs.
Rauscher said the boutiques are doing well and attract a type of customer who wants more of an intimate shopping experience.
Tenants most interested in occupying the vacant spaces are a number of restaurants, said Greco. She said a change to liquor licenses in the state, making them cheaper and more available, would boast the area.
"Would be great if there was a quasi-bar scene for young people who want a place to hang out," Greco lamented.
Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.