Merchants are beginning to find a comfortable home in downtown Greenville again. Recently, businesses have announced plans to move onto Commerce Street.

Alissa’s Closet is one of the businesses, which have made the move.

Vesta Taylor, owner of Alissa’s Closet, said the downtown area filled her need for growth very well.

&uot;We had been in business for a year and had room for growth and needed a bigger shop,&uot; said Taylor. &uot;We chose the old Hunter’s Hideout building so we would have a larger shop for our customers to have more room to mingle around.&uot;

Some businesses fear the move downtown would harm the business they pull off I-65. Taylor said this has not been a problem.

&uot;We chose to move downtown and we have done better,&uot; said Taylor. &uot;It has been more convenient for our regular customers and our new customers also.&uot;

Taylor said despite the move shoppers from the interstate have had no trouble finding their way to her shop.

&uot;I am surprised and pleased to say I have had someone come in from the interstate every day,&uot; said Taylor. &uot;That has been great. I was surprised, but very happy.&uot;

Taylor said it took some work to get the building the way she wanted it, but in the end she was pleased with the results.

&uot;It had old pressed tin on the roof and we left it and painted it and it is beautiful,&uot; said Taylor. &uot;We also cut a section out of the floor at the door so people could see the heart pine floor as they enter the door.&uot;

Taylor said they would even do work to the outside of the store to give it an old fashioned look.

&uot;We’re going to paint a sign on the side of the wall that will go along with the rest of the building,&uot; said Taylor. &uot;We also put up some cute awnings.&uot;

Many people around town have been working toward restoring the downtown area.

Main Street of Greenville is one group that takes a hands on approach to help make Commerce Street a place for everyone.

Nancy Idland, director of Main Street said downtown Greenville was the lifeblood of the town.

&uot;I still feel like Commerce Street is the heart and soul of our town,&uot; said Idland. &uot;As long as we can keep businesses coming in it will be good for the community.&uot;

Idland said it was important for everyone to help keep downtown up and running to maintain Greenville’s positive image.

&uot;I think a community like ours with a prosperous downtown projects a positive image on outlying areas,&uot; said Idland.

Citizens of Greenville who enjoy downtown and all it has to offer hope the businesses that have relocated and announced plans to locate on Commerce Street can create a domino effect of sorts.