Retailers ready for renaissance

Now that the new, smooth, wide open highway is open through mid-town McCook, it's time for retail merchants to burst forth with renewed energy, enthusiasm and innovation.

"It's an exciting time," said Butch Mires, the president of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce. "The road is done through the middle of town and the stores are open and ready to go."

As the first of what are expected to be many improvements, a new sun-tanning salon -- "Sun Tanners" -- is opening Friday at 217 Norris Ave., while down the street Greg Fyn has moved his Prairie Wind PC business across the street to newly redecorated quarters at 109 Norris.

Adding to the burst of business activity, Mary Badel has commissioned an intriguing, innovative design for the front of the La Cocina Mexican Food Restaurant and Lounge at 112 West First Street. It's the latest in a line of improvements which have enhanced downtown storefronts in recent years.

Jonzeez Java is also on the move, with the beverage hut now located in the 800 block of B Street in the former Bunstock Service location.

More changes are on the way. "We are restructuring the marketing committee of the chamber," Mires said. The new approach will be a retail unity committee, composed of both downtown merchants and the businesses located in other retail areas. "Our goal is to have all businesses -- both downtown and farther out -- come together with ideas to promote shopping in McCook," the chamber president said.

Marketing and promotion will be two essential parts of the plan. And, meanwhile, the chamber will be working with real estate agents and building owners to find businesses to fill vacant spots in the retail district. Among the locations available are two storefronts on Norris: one at 219 Norris Ave. recently vacated by Amy's Fashions, and the other at 114 Norris in the building formerly occupied by Prairie Wind PC.

With the 2003 holiday shopping season rapidly approaching, the completion of the mid-town portion of the highway project couldn't have happened at a more opportune time. The retail renaissance has begun. Let's keep it going. Let's unite to make McCook a first-class shopping experience for the people of Southwest Nebraska, Northwest Kansas and visitors from far and near.