ALBANY, N.Y.… The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) welcomed four new retailers to the Coliseum Mall, located at 153 S Pearl Street, on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 with a grand opening ceremony and community celebration. Joining the Downtown Albany BID’s executive director Georgette Steffens were Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan, Gallagher & Company president Chris Gallagher, Ivy League Fashion owner Reggie Scantlebury, Memababies owner Robin Eaton, Tax Express owner Trevor Clark, and Unique Thrift Boutique owners Jezma Smith and Edwina Wellington.

“It is a pleasure to welcome these four new businesses to our Capital City,” said Mayor Sheehan. “The more retail options we provide Downtown, the greater the amenities for those who currently live, work, and play here. Businesses such as these also act as strong magnets to anyone who is considering the Downtown as their new home or workplace.”

Within walking distance of Downtown and Empire State Plaza employees, the four new businesses open at a time of consistent commercial growth in Downtown; since the beginning of 2015, 20 retailers and restaurants have opened within the District.

“Retail is a critical component of Downtown’s future, and with these new businesses opening in the Coliseum we are continuing to see business owners introducing amenities that match the level of investment in our District,” said Steffens. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community. The Coliseum Mall is creating opportunities for our residents while the entrepreneurs are creating jobs for the neighborhood.”

Typically owned and operated by one or two people, the businesses at the Coliseum are part of a fast-growing field. Between 2004 and 2010, 5.5 million micro-businesses, consisting of 1 to 4 employees, were created in the U.S. according to the California Association for Microenterprise Opportunity.

The 25,000-square-foot, four-story Coliseum Mall is currently home to 17 businesses, including retailers, office tenants, and a church. Now in its 10^th year as a retail incubator, the mall brings to fruition an environment in which small business owners support one another with advice, co-marketing, and connections within the community. Purchased in 2000 by Gallagher & Company, which is headquartered in the building, Chris Gallagher is passionate about offering entrepreneurs a space in which their dreams of running a business can be realized.

“We love being a place where people come for fun and funky items,” said Gallagher. “What is just as wonderful as the variety of businesses based here is the sense of community among our business owners; it is a real collaborative effort for each of them to help the others. It is a real point of pride for us.”
 

For Scantlebury, the clothing store idea was born out of a direct need. “I was getting tired of going to New York City to find what I liked for myself and my 3-year-old son, so I opened my own store to cater to customers who were experiencing the same issue,” he said. It was after patronizing the hair salon in the Coliseum that he considered opening Ivy League Fashion, which offers items for both men and boys. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ivyleaguefashion.

A new type of retailer in Downtown, Memebabies features everyday items for infants and toddlers, including new and excellent-condition used clothing, shoes, strollers, pack and plays, and more. Wanting to open a store for a long time, but unsure what type, it was reflection on her own experience in motherhood that led to Memababies, said Eaton. “I wanted to open a business that makes it affordable for parents and family members to purchase anything the need,” she said. “The main reason I was able to realize my dream of opening this business was the affordability of the Coliseum Mall.” For more information, call 518.300.7751 or find them on Facebook.

A first time business owner, Clark chose the Coliseum for the landlord and the great pricing. “Chris (Gallagher) is very motivated to help his tenants succeed; he actually cares about my business, and that was a large part of why I chose to open Tax Express in this location,” he said. Offering tax preparation services for individuals and full service payroll for small to medium sized companies, Tax Express is currently offering a free 30 day trial period. For more information, call 518.288.8293 or visit facebook.com/taxexpressalbany.

Similarly, for the Unique Thrift Boutique owners, this is the first location for their month-old business. “We had plans to open the store already, and after seeing an ad for the Coliseum we came to check out the space,” said Smith. “We really liked it, and are excited to be a part of the community of retailers here.” Featuring everything from jewelry and furniture to home decor, Unique Thrift Boutique is holding a prolonged grand opening celebration; every Friday and Saturday this year, customers can stop in for food and beverages while they shop. For more information, call 518.469.4695.

Featuring historic interior details including hardwood floors and tin ceilings, other businesses inside the mall include a barber shop, hair salon, southern soul food café, clothing store, museum, digital media company, and real estate office. Located at 153 S Pearl Street, you can find more information on all businesses at www.albanycoliseum.com.