The charm and mix of Belmont Center’s shops, restaurants, and services make it the envy of other Main Streets and one of Belmont’s greatest assets. Yet storefronts are closing, most recently, Irresistibles, a boutique that operated in Belmont Center for 30 years.
This family-owned chain has nine stores in three East Coast states, with locations in Concord, Wellesley, and Andover. Irresistibles’ owner reported the Belmont shop did not meet business objectives, and the closure was not due to rent or landlord issues, noting the great relationship with the Tellier family. None of the other Irresistibles locations are closing.
When a well-established business can no longer succeed here, it signals deeper challenges in the Center.
As a business owner on Leonard Street, I invite town officials to be more curious. I ask the town to engage with Center businesses about falling sales and the challenge of engaging customers (including residents). While national retail trends and online shopping play a role, local factors also contribute and deserve examination.
A dialogue could include:
- Current average commercial rents per square foot and whether businesses can maintain healthy occupancy costs (typically 5 to 10% of gross revenue).
- The impact of rising property taxes on triple-net leases.
- Looking at categories of Center businesses that have experienced declining sales for the past three or more years.
Communities like Arlington, Lexington, Concord, Medford, and Winchester address these issues through an Economic Development Coordinator within the Planning Department. This person supports businesses by administering grants, recruiting tenants, and proactively assisting businesses at risk. Belmont lacks this role.
The Belmont Center overlay has consumed the dialogue between Center merchants and the town. It is not the only topic that is urgent to discuss. Belmont Center’s small businesses are invested, experienced, and ready to collaborate. Protecting this district requires curiosity, data, and partnership—now, not after more storefronts go dark.
Katherine Venzke, owner, Helena’s, Leonard Street