New Retailers Choose Downtown Albany

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ALBANY, NY (08/12/2013)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announces a Downtown DAY Life | A Columbia Street Celebration to welcome two new retailers, Broadway Shoes and The Enchanted Florist, to Downtown's growing retailers on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 11:30 AM on Columbia Street between North Pearl and James Street. The event will also highlight the relocation and expansion of Miranda's Deli also located on Columbia Street.

"The addition and expansion of these businesses completes a significant retail corridor in our urban center," said Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, "The momentum is exciting. Columbia and State Street serve as great examples of both past and future retail and are strong steps toward a more vibrant Downtown."

The Columbia Street Celebration comes on the heels of the recently announced Renaissance Marriot Hotel plan to renovate the historic DeWitt Clinton property and the recent openings of Angela's Bridal and Flanigan's II Deli on State Street.

Following the ribbon cutting, the public is invited to participate in sidewalk and art sales, food samples, haircuts, music and more provided by Columbia Street Businesses until 1:30 PM. Music is being provided by jazz group, Melonious Thunk. Businesses and organizations participating in the event include:

Albany Center Gallery

B. Lodge & Co.

Broadway Shoes

The Downtown Albany BID

The Enchanted Florist

Green Garden Asian Spa

The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

Mens Room Barbershop

Miranda's Deli

Peter Scagnelli Law Firm

Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, Downtown Albany BID, Jack Yonally representing the Yonally family and Louis Banister, Owner of Enchanted Florist are scheduled to speak at the event. The indicated block of Columbia Street will be closed from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The public and media are invited to attend this free event.

All three locations, as well as the Mens Room Barbershop, who celebrates their 11th anniversary in Downtown this month, are housed in the buildings owned by the Yonally Family, owners of B. Lodge and Co., Albany's oldest store.

"We believe that partnering with retailers who are as passionate about their business as we are, is going to be key factor in continuing the resurgence of Downtown retail," explained Yonally, "These new businesses have already begun to add to the excitement happening in Downtown. Retail is coming back to Downtown and the businesses who are successful are the ones who are committed to being a neighborhood partner, bringing needed services into this specific community. Our generational business has worked so hard to make this day a reality, and I could not be more proud of my kids for their commitment to Downtown."

Louis Banister opened The Enchanted Florist retail location at 54 Columbia Street on July 19, 2013. His florist business, that grew out of his garage, offers custom arrangements, grab-and-go bouquets as well as special occasion and bridal consultations. Local delivery and wire service are also available. The Enchanted Florist is open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and by appointment. The shop is dog friendly. For more information call 518.813.4990 or visit facebook.com/enchantedalbany.

Bob Cocco, owned Broadway Shoes in Downtown for 27 years at various locations until retiring in 2009. Back from retirement, he has reopened at 54 Columbia Street under the same name, offering both dress and casual styles for men and women in addition to boots and sandals. Broadway Shoes is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Co-owners, Charlie and Kathy Miranda relocated Miranda's Deli to 52 Columbia Street and tripled their space in late June, 2013. Miranda's Deli offers a variety of sandwiches and salads Monday through Friday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

"These businesses are meeting the needs of all our Downtown audiences, while expanding our offerings as a community and creating excitement for the future" said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director Downtown Albany BID, "This excitement over Downtown retail even inspired this year's Sculpture in the Streets exhibit: All Signs Point to Downtown celebrating the history of downtown Albany but the future of retail and the resurgence we see here today."

For more information about the event and all events in downtown Albany, visit downtownalbany.org.

Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for those who work in, live in and visit New York's Capital City. The BID is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org | @AlbanyBID or call 518.465.2143.