Michael Velez had been a downtown retailer for 20 years, but lastmonth he relocated Velez Gallery to Old Colorado City.
The move was necessitated by what he believes is a changingretail environment in the downtown area.
'I think downtown is a great place for night life, but peoplearen't looking for window shopping,' said Velez, who first openedhis shop on East Bijou Street during 1989 and moved to Tejon 12years later. 'Five years ago, we had retailers lining Tejon Streetfrom Boulder Street to Colorado Avenue. Now, if you look down Tejon,there are seven or eight vacancies along that stretch.'
Velez began his retail career by selling his own woodwork andpaintings by his brother Andrew Velez. Slowly, he gathered work fromother artists and began building a defined theme.
'Most people don't understand what Native American means,' hesaid. 'They think of natives of the United States. But America is acontinent. We try to educate the public about indigenous peoples andwe have a lot of stuff, including jewelry, carvings and paintingsfrom places like Ecuador, Peru, Canada, Mexico and Panama. Ourconcept here is to offer items from the Amazon to the Arctic. NativeAmericans shouldn't be classified as just from the U.S.'
Sales at the Tejon location were great for years, but just saw adownturn in recent years.
'Downtown, during the day, we didn't do much business,' he said.'My best time was between 5 and 9 p.m. and I'm ready to go home at6.'
The new gallery at 2508 W. Colorado Ave. has been open two weeksand Velez is already happy about the decision to relocate.
'I think we're going to do very well at the new location,' hesaid. 'I have a good feeling, even though the economy is slow. I'mgetting four times as many walk-ins here .... Some people even comein and tell us they thought we were a new business. They never sawus downtown.'
The gallery is slightly larger than its Tejon Street predecessorand Velez renovated the space with new walls, floors and carpet.
'Most of the renovation cost was in labor, and I had my familyhelp me with that,' he said. 'We recycled a lot of the old wood,too.'
Manitou farmer's market expands
Manitou Springs hosts the summer Midweek Farmer's Market from 4to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through August 26 at Soda Springs Park
Shoppers this year can buy African market baskets at the venueand are encouraged to use them as an earth-friendly way to shop.Wine, dairy, bread and coffee vendors will mix with urban farmersand clothing and accessories retailers.
The market will feature musical entertainment by local artistsand end with a Chili Cooking competition on Aug. 26.
Same old thing for dear old dad
Americans are expected to spend an average of $90.89 on gifts fordad this Father's Day, a slight decline from $94.54 last year,according the National Retail Federation's Father's Day ConsumerIntentions and Actions Survey.
People will spend the most on a special outing, like a sportingevent or dinner, but apparel, such as socks, slacks and ties stillrank high among gift givers. Other favorites were gift cards,electronics, books, home improvement items and sporting goods.
The report indicated that discount retailers and departmentstores will benefit most from consumer spending nationwide.
Scott Prater covers retail for the Colorado Springs BusinessJournal.
