What will fill this prime retail space vacated by Hip Hop Fashion?

I’m usually not one to celebrate the demise of a business, but in the case of Ferguson’s Hip Hop Fashion, I’m elated to see the moving vans. For one, the shop specialized in thug wear and illegal knock-offs, prominently displaying noxious t-shirts like “Stop Snitchin’” in its front window. Two, it was just a waste of great space, a big messy eyesore in what is easily one of the best retail locations in Downtown Ferguson.

The storefront (at 155 S. Florissant) is in the corner slot of a sleek 1960s strip mall with great modern lines. Parking is ample. Views from the street are fantastic. And traffic is nearly constant, thanks to the busy Subway next door. In other words, this place deserves way better than Hip Hop Fashion.

I would love to see it become a fun boutique of some kind – something that really takes advantage of those wonderful windows. But what I really think would work there is a bicycle store, especially if it offered sales and rentals.

The northern end of the Ted Jones Bike Trail

Here’s why:

• The 2.2-mile Ted Jones Bike Trail, which connects with the 10-mile North County Bikeway and the UMSL campus, is just a couple blocks away.
• Ferguson is one of only three local cities chosen to participate in TrailNet’s “Healthy, Active & Vibrant Communities” program.
• Ferguson is home to a very knowledgeable cycling educator, who teaches people how to ride safely on the road.
• Ferguson is one of the first communities in the state to adopt Complete Streets legislation, meant to encourage more biking and walking.
• Ferguson recently installed nice new bike racks all over town and launched a Sunday Parkways program.

Obviously, this community is doing everything possible to support bicycling and active living. It needs a bike shop. But not every resident has the funds or desire to purchase a bike of their own.

In cities where bike ridership is high, rentals play a key role. They can also be a big draw for tourists. Denver is learning that fact quickly with its new B-Cycle bike sharing program, which allows anyone to use a free bicycle for up to 24 hours with the quick swipe of a credit card.

Amsterdam has offered bike sharing for years, with some bikes even outfitted with ads on the wheels. Local businesses love that, and it helps to keep the program funded. So why couldn’t it work in NoCo? At least on a smaller scale?

I think there’s a hole in the marketplace here and somebody is really missing their chance. Especially when you consider that Downtown Ferguson is a TIF district, where the right business can potentially get financial incentives.

In my opinion, bike rental is a perfect fit for Ferguson and for North County. And the old Hip Hop Fashion…yep, I’m wishing for a bike shop.

Would you borrow a free or reasonably priced bike? I know I would.

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