Town Crier Articles

Change Continues to Come to “Downtown” New Town

Posted on April 1, 2025 12:20 PM by Scott Ellis

“Here we go again”

This seems to be said a lot over the past few months, few years, maybe even a few decades. Another store is closing.

What stores in New Town have closed? Kays Jewelers, Victorias Secret, The Mole Hole, El Tapatio, Pisco 51, Candyland, Christopher & Banks, Claires, Corning Ware, Justice, Bath and Body Works, White House Black Market, Cogan’s Deli, and others have closed over the last fifteen years. Some of these have closed as parent companies closed or downsized. Some have relocated and can be found elsewhere in Williamsburg and some owners have retired.

Joann Fabric and Craft is closing and the store on Main Street will soon be empty.
Plow and Hearth has a temporarily closed sign on the doors and stock has been greatly reduced.
Dollar Tree on Main Street will soon be open in the storefront previously occupied by Victorias Secret from July 2007 through March 2020.
Taco Mexicali # 2 will replace Pisco 51 and is in the process of being refurbished. It should be opened within the next month or so.
Cogan’s Deli & Sports Pub closed on February 13 with Iron Bound Gym expanding into the space.
CrossFit 1607 gym formerly on Casey Boulevard has relocated elsewhere in Williamsburg.

All is not gloom and doom. Change is inevitable as shoppers habits and needs change, technology changes, and economies change. We are blessed to see new stores, restaurants and gathering places move into New Town.

Over just the past few years we have seen:

Kelands Louisiana Seafood Grab and Go arrive on Courthouse Street,
Eleva Coffee Lounge open on Courthouse Street,
The above-mentioned Taco Mexicali # 2 will open soon on Courthouse Street,
Schwartzy’s Cat Cove on Main Street,
Great Atlantic Hot Tubs, Swim Spas and Saunas on Main Street,
Cox Communications on Main Street,
Planet Fitness took over the space formally occupied by American Family Fitness,
Axe Republic on Courthouse Street,
Zoom Room and Massage Envy on Main Street,
Kung Fu Tea on Courthouse Street,
K’Bola Cuban restaurant on Center Street
Joose Family Orthodontics on New Town Avenue,
Andre Julius – Custom Suits and Accessories on New Town Avenue,
Fairy Hair Garden WBG Studio on Casey Boulevard,
Shaia Oriental Rugs on Foundation Street,
Zoom Room on Main Street,
Dream Maker Bath and Kitchen on Main Street
And others.

Could we use more shops? Certainly, we don’t like to see empty storefronts, and no one likes to see people lose their jobs. Various ideas have been posted on social media spots and there are many favorites that folks would love to see open in New Town. Craft stores, pubs, bakeries have all been mentioned. Maybe a drop off/collection site for Amazon packages so we don’t have so many delivery trucks constantly in the streets. Walking down to Main Street to pick up a package and then stopping for an ice cream or a meal might be good exercise and fresher air and a chance to meet a New Town neighbor. At any rate let’s support the businesses we have as much as possible and meet neighbors and make new friends as we do.

Comments

Comment By: David Carter

Posted on April 1, 2025 5:54 PM

Chicken Salad Chick is under construction in the former burger place adjacent to Wild Birds Unlimited who will be relocating to Monticello Marketplace.
REPLY: Thanks for this Settlers Market update. We could do another article just on the turnover in Settlers Market as well!

Last Edited: 04/02/2025 at 02:29 AM