Downtown Hit With Run Of Small Business Closures

Downtown Renton’s core is looking a little dark these days.

First, Mary Clymer closed this fall after five years of pushing through a tough economy and just barely staying afloat.

The store supported itself, Clymer said, but she herself wasn’t making any money to live on.

Clymer described her business as being “so rewarding in every way but financially,” during an interview with Patch before her September close. “It’s time for me to reassess my own personal goals."

A few months later, Beverly Franklin and David Olds, co-owners of Cedar Chest Antiques, hung poster boards in the windows announcing their intention to close at the end of the year.

“There just isn’t the traffic in town like there used to be,” Olds said, adding their decision to close was based on the poor economy.

Mid-November brought confirmation of Renton Laptop’s closure, although the business’ phone number was disconnected at least a month before a note appeared in the storefront’s window.

Also in the downtown vicinity, several businesses have opted to move out. Union Bank moved from South Third Street to The Landing this fall and Red Wing Shoes left Bronson Way for Southcenter Mall in October.

How can Renton work together to turn its economy around, and what businesses would you hate to see go under?

On that note, be sure to check out Rely On Renton’s screening of “Fixing the Future” on Wednesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at the Renton Civic Theatre. Tickets cost $9 and there will be a free discussion event at Harambee after the screening.