DENVER — Downtown Denver business owners are expressing their concerns with the way things have been trending recently when it comes to the stores that are their livelihood.
They point to an increase in prices and theft, and a decrease in foot traffic.
“This is Talulah Jones,” boutique owner Robin Lohre said. “It's a boutique in Denver that's been here for I think 24 years, long enough to lose count.”
The shop is located at the corner of East 17th and Park avenues.
For the first time in decades, Lohre is finding it harder and harder to keep the shop she loves alive.
“It it's incredible, and I’m working harder than ever and, and I’m tired,” Lohre said. “And there's a lot of pressure and there's a lot of pressure to still look the same and still have the same presentation and good cheer.”
Her neighbors feel it too.
“It's disheartening,” Lohre said. “I realized I wasn't alone in the experience that we're all struggling as a community. There has been an increase in theft and there has been an increase in cost. There has been a decrease in sales.”
Lohre wonders what the future of business in Denver will look like.
“I do think about that, I think about that a lot recently,” Lohre said. “It scares me. I don't know what the future is going to bring and I’m, you know, I am worried about having even higher increase of costs for my customers.”
Lohre hopes as the holidays kick in, the community will shop local and show a little love to the businesses that give Denver its flavor.
“We are hoping this holiday season as a community that everybody gets out there and supports their local unique business that makes Denver, Denver,” Lohre said.
