Exploring Long Beach
Bixby Village Plaza and Marina Center – What Do You Think About It?
I want to share updates on a couple shopping centers nearby that are being remodeled, but more than that, I want to get your thoughts on it. The two shopping centers are Bixby Village Plaza (corner of PCH and Bellflower) and Marina Center (corner of PCH and Loynes). At the end of the article, I will share a link where you can post your thoughts.
One newsletter that someone sent to me is called Dave’s Rants. When I think of rants, I think of someone expressing disagreement or anger in a negative or aggressive way. So, I do not want this to be a rant. I want to provide an update on the remodel plans, share my thoughts, and get your thoughts.
Marina Center used to have some of my favorite shops and restaurants. There was a mailbox store, Honey’s cleaners, smoke shop, The Local Spot, Audio Concepts, Picarelli’s restaurant, and more. Over the past couple of years, these local shops have moved out of the center and their spaces are vacant or have been replaced by a chain store. When I spoke with an individual at Marina Center, I was told the plan was to bring in chain stores and restaurants, since that would help to upgrade the center and the surrounding community.
Bixby Village Plaza is doing construction at the corner of 7 th and Bellflower, and they shared the names of the new food establishments going into that area. The new eateries all have than one location including California Fish Grill, The Melt, and Urbane Café. Each one sounds good, and the center has a good mix of chain and local businesses. Long Beach is growing, and changes are being made to meet increasing housing demands and promote the economic growth of the city. There are many good chains, but does this mean we need to get rid of local businesses? To me, local businesses have significant value that extends far beyond the products and services they offer.
Here is a short strategy on the importance of local businesses, developed with the help of AI:
1. Economic Value:
Job Creation: Small businesses are major job creators within communities, providing employment opportunities for local residents.
Local Revenue Generation: They generate revenue that stays within the community, boosting the local economy and benefiting essential public services.
Tax Base Enhancement: Local businesses contribute to the local tax base, funding schools, infrastructure, and other vital community services.
Economic Multiplier Effect: Spending at local businesses has a greater economic impact than spending at large chain stores, as local businesses are more likely to recirculate revenue within the community.
2. Social Value:
Community Identity & Character: Local businesses contribute to a community’s unique character, fostering a sense of place and belonging.
Civic Engagement & Leadership: Local business owners are often actively involved in the community, participating in local government and shaping policy.
Community Development: Local businesses often support local events and charities, strengthening community bonds and contributing to community development.
Personalized Service & Customer Relationships: Small businesses often prioritize building strong relationships with their customers and providing personalized service.
3. Environmental Value:
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Local businesses often source goods and services locally, minimizing transportation emissions and their environmental impact.
Support for Sustainable Practices: Local businesses are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, such as sourcing locally, reducing waste, and using eco friendly packaging.
4. Intrinsic Value:
Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Local businesses foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing unique products and services to the market.
Product & Service Diversity: They oƯer a greater variety of goods and services, often specializing in unique, locally sourced, or handcrafted items.
Preservation of Local Culture & Traditions: Many local businesses are deeply rooted in their community’s culture and traditions, helping to preserve them for future generations.
Am I too concerned about the disappearing local businesses throughout Long Beach? Socrates said, “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” I wonder, what do you think:
1. How do you feel about the remodel plans at Bixby Village Plaza and Marina Center?
2. What are the factors that influence your decision to support/not support a local business?
You can post your responses to these two questions and any other thoughts you have about the shopping local or chain stores at:
Or email me at: john@rudyrealtor.com
