Catlin Court remains hopeful in tough economy

Glendale, Ariz. is undergoing big strides towards developing new business and modernizing the area, however one small section of downtown, Catlin Court, is trying to preserve the past.

Catlin Court covers the area around 58th Avenue and is home to many small, family run businesses, most of which sell antiques or small household decorative items. Nearly all shops are run out of older, refurbished homes.

This area is very unique to a city that is trying to grow and increase its economy and business possibilities, and is different to the changing landscape around it.

As Westgate City Center expands and new spring training facilities are being built nearby, the shops along the historic neighborhood are a look into the past in comparison to the big, modern city feel.

However, the shops are feeling threatened by the recent downturn in the economy and experiencing trouble with bringing in steady profit.

“This economy has probably put me back about five years,” Carol Migray, owner of The Cottage Garden, said. “It has been very hard on the small business owner.”

Migray, who has owned her business for 12 years, said she decided to open her store in Glendale because she used to shop and eat in the area. She noted that since then, her business has been in decline, especially recently.

“It’s way down,” she said, “it was hustle bustle back then. There would be people just buying and having fun. Now its mainly tourists here to browse.”

Local owners all agreed that they would like to keep a positive attitude, but realize the financial troubles are not going away quickly.

Cheryl Kappes, owner of The Country Maiden, a home gifts shop, has owned her store for two and a half years. She realizes that the process of getting business back to the area will be a long one.

“The economy has taken this business for a nose dive of which we are starting to come out of but it’s a long way,” Kappes said.

Despite the difficulties they are experiencing, these small businesses are staying optimistic.

Annette Terhorst, owner of Peaces of Life, an alternative gift shop, opened her business right when the economy was beginning to sink, however remains very hopeful.

“I’m optimistic and I’m feeling good about it,” Terhorst said.

She has hope that the cooling weather will help bring in visitors during the holiday season and feels that the tourism office is doing its best to help promote Catlin Court.

Other Catlin Court business owners are staying encouraged that their businesses will turn around soon.

“I am very hopeful that it will start turning around,” Migray said. “I see more people coming in, they may not be spending, but at least they are coming out.”

Guest article contributed by Rachel Korchin, Student
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

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