Small, local shops keep St. Paul’s Grand Avenue alive amid continued vacancies

While the building isn’t expected to get bulldozed until 2025 or 2026, Miller assured customers and one worried employee that the store “will figure it out. We need the shopping to continue on Grand Avenue.”

Customers, she said, have told her they want the store to stay.

Now that the Grand Avenue Business Association has some heft again, it is trying to revive the excitement around the commercial corridor, especially during the holidays. Along with city officials and shopkeepers, it is planning the largest Grand Meander since 2019 on Dec. 7. The goal: attracting 10,000 visitors.

“It’s definitely going to be a lot more involved this year. Ideally I’m hoping [all the shops and restaurants] generate 50% more in sales than on a typical Saturday,” said Jensen, the association’s president.

Eighty shops and restaurants are participating this year, with soup tastings, trolley rides, firetruck rides, “Fa La Llamas,” costumed carolers, Santa, product specials and a shop decoration contest. A panel of celebrity judges and shoppers will rate the best store windows and soups.

“What we’re seeing is much greater engagement and participation from individual retailers and business owners — to the point where you can start putting on events and getting critical mass,” Jensen said.