She was explaining the site's past as a nursery and a pasture, but she easily could have been referring to the Village's successful renovation. University Village's gross sales increased 25 percent and sales at specialty stores are up considerably.
Small merchants report an increase in foot traffic and say customers are buying more.
There is also a sense of optimism about future sales among the shop owners. Demographics suggested the center had such potential. The neighborhoods surrounding University Village contain a high number of homeowners, which translates into stable and potentially dedicated customers. The housing density projected volumes of shoppers and the well educated, well heeled population in these neighborhoods has significant levels of disposable income. Even before the remodel there was a steady cadre of local, loyal shoppers.