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Opening a women's clothing boutique in Byram is almost a dream come true for Beth Kulik. And with a recent boom of curious shoppers and new businesses, the area that borders Greenwich and Port Chester, N.Y., has begun to attract attention.
"It has become a shopping destination," said Kulik, who manages the All About Me boutique. "Everyone who comes in says that they're thrilled to have everything they need on one street."
In the past nine months, several businesses have popped up and brought more customers. The Byram Business Association was reborn to spread the word of what the area has to offer. The Town of Greenwich has begun to put more money into the Byram section and is working to improve its curb appeal, parking, waterfront access and original character. And it's working: Dana Zimmerman, owner of Eco Java Café, said she has seen record sales over the holiday season.
Zimmerman is thrilled by Byram's rejuvenation. "Byram is back to what Greenwich Avenue used to be with all the mom-and-pop-type shops, and people love that. There is definitely a local flavor."
But Raoul Fajardo, an employee of Johnny Cakes for 21 years, said he has seen many businesses and people in town struggle with the slow economy. "I started to see people changing their orders and others stop buying lunch because they couldn't afford it," he said.
Let's chat: What do you think about the economic boom in Byram? Have you visited any of the new shops? I'd love to hear about it. Leave a comment below or send an email to acorbett@mainstreetconnect.us.
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