Another Campbell Business Closes Less Than a Year After Opening

The Goodfella February 15, 2013 at 03:12 pm

Campbell wants to be Carmel, but they're missing two things, class and the ocean.

Mayra Flores de Marcotte (Editor) February 15, 2013 at 04:40 pm

The Goodfella: What brought you to that conclusion? Please elaborate. In my opinion, and after spending lots of time here over the last two and a half years, I've noticed that Campbell definitely has its own feel, unique actually from the rest of the South Bay. There's plenty of charm here. :)

The Goodfella February 15, 2013 at 06:23 pm

Charm and class are two different things. Campbell wants to be the go to town, and does have some charm to it, but will never support anything that is over its demographics, unless that place is a desitnation spot for the South Bay. Look at the places that do the best in Campell- Sonoma Chicken Coop, Katie Blooms, etc. I personally know many business owners who have failed there over the years because they can't get past the "jeans and tennis shoe" crowd. The best thng this gallery could do is move to Saratoga. Unforutnatly , the city government wants to have a variety of businesses to class it up, (hence my Carmel remark), but doesn't know how to keep them. Also, check with the local P.D. There is an underlying criminal aspect in the city outside downtown that ocaasionally filters in, which adds to both the demise of charm and class. Trust me, I have first hand info on all of this.

Deb R February 15, 2013 at 07:26 pm

I am sorry to see Carla leave us so soon, and wish her the very best in her endeavors. It should be noted that many businesses (in Campbell and all surrounding areas) have closed due to the extremely challenging economy we have all suffered from and, in many cases, where landlords have not been so quick to 'work with' the merchants with respect to rents.
I am a Downtown Campbell boutique owner (for more than 12 years now), and absolutely love being located on these 4 blocks. I am a fan of the DTC charm. What's more, the eclectic and artsy vibe of this downtown appeals to me, and most of my customers. Some shops offer lower prices while others are a bit higher-end. Many of my customers are jeans & t-shirt folks, and just as many also love to shop in places such as Carmel - something for everyone. My boutique, for one, carries everything from jeans & tees (for women & men), to dresses, jewelry, handbags, coats, etc. for various occasions (and at various price points). We also sell painted vintage furniture, as well as artwork from local artists, and I wouldn't change a thing. It is wonderful to have such a wide variety of customers. As for the criminal element, it is true, there is crime on the outskirts of DTC, as is the case more most towns, and this is unfortunate. That said, the DCBA (Downtown Campbell Business Association) works diligently and consistently to make this downtown better and better.

Gini Wallace February 15, 2013 at 07:31 pm

Masks?!? Like that was ever going to be a sustainable business wherever it resides. Puh-leez. Simply Smashing, charming and classy and lots of great stuff everyone wants to buy. La Pizzeria, Cafe Campbell and A Bellagio, all do wonderful business and charming and classy! Recycle Bookstore! Long time resident and very popular. The Olive Bar and Therapy are also my go-to places for unique gifts. In Campbell you can dress in t-shirts and jeans or get all dolled up and it's the right atmosphere for either because Campbell isn't pretentious and never will be.

Lydia Habr February 15, 2013 at 07:53 pm

Well he also states that Campbell wants to be Carmel but lacks the class & the ocean. In the first place I don't believe that we want to be Carmel at all. I sure would not want to live here if it was. I'll give him the ocean part but there is a much more diverse population in Campbell & not everyone is of the jeans & tennis shoe set. One of the best things about this city is that it's pretty welcoming to all & you don't have to worry that you might not be dressed by the right designer & driving the right car to fit in. Yes the artsy gallery type shops don't tend to do as well but perhaps that has less to do with a lack of class & more to do with the fact that most of the people who live in Campbell are working hard just to afford the mortgages. There is so much more to Campbell than just the downtown too & it speaks volumes when you look at the hot real estate market here. This is a place where families want to live because if all it has to offer. Businesses will continue to come & go, it's the nature of the beast. Campbell will continue to grow & thrive regardless, because its a great place to live.

Bob Briski February 16, 2013 at 04:46 pm

Tigelleria and Naschmarkt are both very nice restaurants. And if I happen to want to wear jeans and tennis shoes I can go to Blue Line, La Pizzeria or any other of the great restaurants in Campbell. I might even run into one of my neighbors there, strike up a conversation and end up grabbing a beer at Liquid Bread. If those kind of things keep Campbell from being Carmel, so much the better.

Jessica February 16, 2013 at 07:18 pm

Yep, I wouldn't want Campbell to be like Carmel or any of the other nearby downtown areas. I love DTC because it's NOT like these other places and has its own heart/soul :) Definitely something for everyone and every mood.