Two businesses in Colony Square Shopping Center, The Polo Club Restaurant & Tavern and the Coffee Beanery, have closed.
The Polo Club, which has been open in its Colony Square location since 1989, closed on Oct. 30, according to a sign on its door. The Coffee Beanery, which has opened and closed in the same location in Colony Square at least once before, was repossessed by the landlord on Sept. 26, according to a sign on its door.
Colony Square has lost other businesses in recent history – the Fresh Market left last summer to open in a new location in Settler’s Market, and Atir Natural Nail Care followed the Fresh Market’s suit – but it has also gained a new anchor tenant in the former Fresh Market slot. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore opened in that location in April this year.
James City County Economic Development Director Russ Seymour said his office will be going to meet with current business owners after the holiday to talk to them about what their concerns are and how his office may be able to help. “We worked hard to get Habitat for Humanity in [Colony Square],” Seymour said. “Hopefully we can continue that process. We want to talk to the business owners and see what issues are going on and see if it’s something we can address.”
Though there are five empty storefronts in the center currently, nine of the locations have tenants – most of which have been in place for a long time.
Fred Miller, owner of Prince George Art & Frame, has had his business in Colony Square for six years and he just signed a lease to stay in the spot even longer. He is sorry to see the businesses go, but says his business is still vibrant. “I’m disappointed to see some businesses close, but I am happy here. It’s a good shopping location.
“I just signed a new lease this spring, and I have seen good growth this year, so I am encouraged by that.”
Though the Fresh Market was a big draw, Miller says the ReStore still brings in traffic, though not the same kinds of clients as the Fresh Market drew. Atir “was very successful,” he said.
Miller would like to see the center focus on finding shops that sell items such as home décor, furniture and art, which he calls “lifestyle” businesses. “This neighborhood has a real focus on lifestyle shopping, and I think that would be a good direction for the rest of the center in the future.”
Miller points out nearby shops such as Morrison’s Flowers and Gifts, Seasons of Williamsburg Flowers & Gifts, the Lamplighter Shoppe and Shaia Oriental Rugs as examples of lifestyle businesses in the area.
“There is already a body of these businesses here that draw similar shoppers,” he says.
Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate is the company leasing the Colony Square shops. The Harvey Lindsay flyer on the center says there are 30,000 to 35,000 vehicles passing by the center each day; five-year leases are available for a cost of $16 per square foot.
