Serious Problem with Retail In Middletown

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   Unfortunately another business is leaving Middletown and the Downtown area.  Earth to Middletown Officials it is time to act on the Section 8 and Socio-economic imbalance of Middletown today not 2 years from now.

Rogers Jewelers closing downtown location

By Rick McCrabb
Staff Writer
Thursday, February 19, 2009 
MIDDLETOWN — Rogers Jewelers, established in 1920 and a Middletown landmark, is closing its downtown location on Saturday, Feb. 21, said its store manager.
Rod Corwin, who has worked at Rogers for 29 years and 14 additional years with other jewelers, said he was told the store was profitable, but not profitable enough.
"It's a sad day," Corwin said Thursday, Feb. 19. "We're history. We have built up a great reputation in 29 years, and now we're gone."
Corwin said the downtown location, 1000 Central Ave., will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. When asked to describe his emotions on that final day, Corwin said: "Sad because we'll be dead like we are every Saturday down here."
Corwin said he was told that the Towne Mall location would remain open, but he wasn't optimistic about that store's future.
Jessica DeShong, store manager of the Towne Mall Rogers Jewelers, said that location — because of its low overhead, loyal customers, and great product — will remain open.
"We have no intentions of closing," DeShong said. She added the Towne Mall business is "more profitable" than other jewelers an "nicer".

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Pacman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jun 02 2007 Status: Offline Points: 2612	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pacman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Serious Problem with Retail In Middletown Posted: Feb 19 2009 at 3:55pm
	Unfortunately another business is leaving Middletown and the Downtown area. Earth to Middletown Officials it is time to act on the Section 8 and Socio-economic imbalance of Middletown today not 2 years from now. Rogers Jewelers closing downtown location By Rick McCrabb Staff Writer Thursday, February 19, 2009 MIDDLETOWN — Rogers Jewelers, established in 1920 and a Middletown landmark, is closing its downtown location on Saturday, Feb. 21, said its store manager. Rod Corwin, who has worked at Rogers for 29 years and 14 additional years with other jewelers, said he was told the store was profitable, but not profitable enough. "It's a sad day," Corwin said Thursday, Feb. 19. "We're history. We have built up a great reputation in 29 years, and now we're gone." Corwin said the downtown location, 1000 Central Ave., will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. When asked to describe his emotions on that final day, Corwin said: "Sad because we'll be dead like we are every Saturday down here." Corwin said he was told that the Towne Mall location would remain open, but he wasn't optimistic about that store's future. Jessica DeShong, store manager of the Towne Mall Rogers Jewelers, said that location — because of its low overhead, loyal customers, and great product — will remain open. "We have no intentions of closing," DeShong said. She added the Towne Mall business is "more profitable" than other jewelers an "nicer".

Smartman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Jun 14 2008 Status: Offline Points: 299	Post Options Post Reply Quote Smartman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 19 2009 at 8:56pm
	Pacman, I could not agree more! We are on a down spiral and heading towards rock bottom. Section 8 needs to go away. I didn't know until a few days ago that landlords of section 8 receive maintenence money each month! Not sure of the amount. Our town is dying before our very eyes! How many of our city leaders, chamber members, and those that want to have meetings to revive this town own section 8 property? We need to find out and put these people on the spot. In our schools 70% of the students are on free and reduced lunch. This is a problem. Section 8 is killing our town. This is why businesses are leaving. And AK going to lay off? Pressure needs to be put on those Bozos on Counsel. If sure the Builderman owns section 8, as well as the rest in the clown car. Us long timers deserve better! Your thoughts!

Pacman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jun 02 2007 Status: Offline Points: 2612	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pacman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 19 2009 at 10:47pm
	Smartman Section 8 has become a small industry in Middletown to the detriment of the City and its residents. Basically the only houses selling are HUD houses and they are being turned into rentals.