[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Jbirds99

I personally think that given the location to Wildwood the money just isn't there in Brownwood.
Look at some of the people in the square at night. They just don't have the money and I think a lot of businesses are afraid to take a chance. I think I am correct is saying that Sumter, Marion and Lake are the three poorest counties in Fl.
We also were expecting a lot more out of Brownwood. So Sad!

I don't think we are seeing the same people in Brownwood. Also, I cannot tell by looking at most people how much money they have to spend.

[FlamingoFlo]

Originally Posted by Bonny

I don't think we are seeing the same people in Brownwood. Also, I cannot tell by looking at most people how much money they have to spend.

The most important lesson I learned working at a bank was "don't judge a book by its cover". Some of our wealthiest customers sure didn't look it.

[Chi-Town]

Heading north on I-75 towards the 44 exit there is a billboard advertising Brownwood. Also one on the Turnpike. Definitely aiming for business outside of The Villages. But from where?

[Doro22]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

Heading north on I-75 towards the 44 exit there is a billboard advertising Brownwood. Also one on the Turnpike. Definitely aiming for business outside of The Villages. But from where?

Good point! The truckers on I-75?

[Madelaine Amee]

Spanish Springs is situated right off 441/27 and no one seems to complain about drawing "outsiders" to the Square. As many other posters have said, Sumter Landing took years to develop, the ownership of stores was constantly changing, but look at it now, it really is the center of TV. Brownwood will get there, it takes time; and many of the newer buyers in the far southern end are seasonal which means less people in the summer. Just needs time to fully develop.

[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by abecker

Love Brownwood Square! However, does anyone notice the abundance of unoccupied store fronts? The biggest foot print there is Village related, ie, Bank, Closing Office, Colf Cart sales and Service, Daily Sun and Banner Mercantile. Aside from the restaurants, there is almost no independent retail stores. The only store at Brownwood that has an outstanding appeal is The Rustic Rose. Their merchandise is always fresh and reasonably priced.
What's wrong with this picture? Can't imagine why The Villages is having problems filling up all these vacant retail shops.

I must be loosing my mind. Have you not ever seen the following:

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Villages Cycles
Memories Engraved
Brownwood Jewelers
SAS Comfort Shoe Store
Nail Salon
Cal's Barber & Beauty
Hear USA
Tommy Bahama
Evelyn & Arthur
Christine's

And non retailers such as:

Raymond James
Prady Financial
United Healthcare
MVP Athletic Club

When we first visited The Villages in 2006, Lake Sumter Landing was no where near as big as it is today. It took about ten years for LSL to be that big (with more room to build still). And, I am sure, Brownwood will take as long (that will be 2022).

Take a look around and smell the roses.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by FlamingoFlo

The most important lesson I learned working at a bank was "don't judge a book by its cover". Some of our wealthiest customers sure didn't look it.

I wear nice clothes so people think I have money.

[justjim]

LSL and SP both have more TV residents living closeby. I think this makes a big difference. Personally, I always wondered about the location for that reason. I thought Brownwood would be located about halfway between 44 and 466a. But I never pretend to be the brightest bulb in the ceiling and my guess is "they" knew what they were doing. There were probably factors that went into the location decision that we know nothing about. Fore!

[billybye]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I am pretty sure I read that the person who is in charge of commercial development said that isn't true but I would guess the rents are higher in the squares. They are at tourist destinations all over Florida.

They keep building spaces and renting spaces it looks to me. How long has the square been open? A couple of years? Thank heavens we don't have tacky shell shops like in other tourist areas.

I vote for tacky shops - would like that more than the high priced franchises that have deep pockets from other franchises they own and are used to high rent and royalties. (PS - I am a retired former franchise owner)

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Jbirds99

I personally think that given the location to Wildwood the money just isn't there in Brownwood.
Look at some of the people in the square at night. They just don't have the money and I think a lot of businesses are afraid to take a chance. I think I am correct is saying that Sumter, Marion and Lake are the three poorest counties in Fl.
We also were expecting a lot more out of Brownwood. So Sad!

Please describe what you mean. What should I be looking for, do you have some clues?

It really is not sad......it will take a little more time.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by NYGUY

I must be loosing my mind. Have you not ever seen the following:

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Villages Cycles
Memories Engraved
Brownwood Jewelers
SAS Comfort Shoe Store
Nail Salon
Cal's Barber & Beauty
Hear USA
Tommy Bahama
Evelyn & Arthur
Christine's

And non retailers such as:

Raymond James
Prady Financial
United Healthcare
MVP Athletic Club

When we first visited The Villages in 2006, Lake Sumter Landing was no where near as big as it is today. It took about ten years for LSL to be that big (with more room to build still). And, I am sure, Brownwood will take as long (that will be 2022).

Take a look around and smell the roses.

You are so right!
That OP came from a half-empty glass..........

[Average Guy]

Originally Posted by Jbirds99

I personally think that given the location to Wildwood the money just isn't there in Brownwood.
Look at some of the people in the square at night. They just don't have the money and I think a lot of businesses are afraid to take a chance. I think I am correct is saying that Sumter, Marion and Lake are the three poorest counties in Fl.
We also were expecting a lot more out of Brownwood. So Sad!

They are not even close to being the 3 poorest counties in Florida. Of the 67 counties, they rank 24th, 29th, and 36th.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florid..._capita_income

[Sable99]

I recently talked to a couple who were interested in opening a shop in The Villages. I thought in Brownwood from the way they talked. They live near TV in the winter and have a booth in Shipshewana, Indiana in the summers. They sell nice silver jewelry.

They were looking for something around 1200 square feet. They said not only was the rent high but they would also have to do the flooring, electric and plumbing. They said they simply couldn't afford it. I told them to check into vendor nights at the squares.

He said they might look into a small shop around Webster and put ads in The Daily Sun. I warned them that people in TV like golf cart accessible. I'm interested in what they decide to do.

It's a little dangerous for me to have them to close. I love their jewelry!

[Bogie Shooter]

Isn't Shipshewana a flea market?

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Sable99

I recently talked to a couple who were interested in opening a shop in The Villages. I thought in Brownwood from the way they talked. They live near TV in the winter and have a booth in Shipshewana, Indiana in the summers. They sell nice silver jewelry.

They were looking for something around 1200 square feet. They said not only was the rent high but they would also have to do the flooring, electric and plumbing. They said they simply couldn't afford it. I told them to check into vendor nights at the squares.

He said they might look into a small shop around Webster and put ads in The Daily Sun. I warned them that people in TV like golf cart accessible. I'm interested in what they decide to do.

It's a little dangerous for me to have them to close. I love their jewelry!

I would seriously doubt that selling silver jewelry they would be able to afford any store front.