Some downtown Redmond stores close, others move away

Signs that say “for sale” and “for lease” are popping up in downtown Redmond as some businesses decide to move to other locations.

The city of Redmond spent millions of dollars throughout the years revitalizing the downtown area, but one business owner said Monday he thinks the renewal has not really had much of a positive effect.

Country Side Living Antiques, located on Southwest Sixth Street, is closing its doors by the end of March after being in business in downtown Redmond for over five years.

In addition, the Redmond Antique Mall is moving both of its stores to a location on Highway 97.

Gary Hughley told NewsChannel 21 many people won’t come to downtown Redmond to shop but only to eat at a restaurant.

He said most customers will spend their money at stores located on Highway 97 instead.

“We don’t get quite the business like they do on the highway,” he said.

Chuck Arnold, who works in community development for the city of Redmond, said the revitalization project is still ongoing and the business environment changes throughout the years.

“The changes that happened are natural evolutions of retail districts. You see districts change over time as businesses come and go,” Arnold said.

Arnold said part of the revitalization plan is to bring in apartments above businesses, which will bring more people to live and shop in downtown.

He also said dozens of new businesses have set up shop in downtown, including many new restaurants.

“Downtown Redmond is becoming a strong eating district. A lot of restaurants are locating here and a lot of activity is happening,” he said.

As more antiques shops move to another location or close for good, new businesses could come in and help revitalize downtown Redmond.