Jun 11, 2010

Downtown niche: New businesses open on Main Street in DikeBy Karen HeinselmanWCFCourier.com

Dike, Iowa — Sharon Stanton thought her family needed a shared activity.

So she and her daughter, Michelle Gaede of rural Parkersburg, launched a gift shop at 627 Main St. in Dike. Jades, which sells crafts, jewelry, baked goods and other items, opened for business May 1.

“I needed something and I wanted something for the family to have, something we could do together,” Stanton said.

Jades isn’t the only recent addition to Main Street.

In December, LeAnn Bakker opened Palma’s Deli & Market at 604 Main Street. Work is being done on an adjoining building to renovate the former hardware store for a chiropractor coming to town.

“It just seems like things are really coming around on Main Street,” Bakker said.

The newest arrivals say they like the idea of being in business for themselves. They also hope their contributions help revive downtown and encourage more growth.

Mike Bahnsen, president of the Dike Community Betterment Association, thinks niche shops are a good fit for a town like Dike. Area residents still may shop at large chain stores for their basic needs, he said, but may visit smaller communities for specialty products and unique offerings.

“That seems to be what’s working,” Bahnsen said. “(Niche shops) are low overhead, and people can still kind of get what they want.”

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