Op-ed: Why upgrading Hoboken’s streetscape is great investment in local businesses

Hoboken is home to more than 800 storefronts that cater to our city’s nearly 60,000 residents and 2.9 million annual visitors. The “Mile Square City” is a dynamic, resilient destination with a diverse mix of retail, dining, and services that power the local economy.

As a small business owner who has operated multiple businesses in Hoboken — Luna Rosa since 2000 and Galatea Lingerie from 1987-2013 — I’ve been part of our city’s evolution and the ebbs and flows of commerce and life in the New York City metro area. I’ve also seen firsthand the power of investments to create desirable commercial districts for entrepreneurs and patrons. These physical improvements, like making a sidewalk more navigable or expanding greenery, foster a welcoming environment where people want to spend their time.

Of the millions of people who visit Hoboken annually, 34 percent stay for more than two-and-a-half hours, according to the Hoboken Business Alliance. As foot traffic increases and people spend more time enjoying their experience in the city, we see how the community thrives and sales increase. One of my favorite things about being a business owner is that I can share what I love with my customers, catch their eye as they discover specially curated goods, and provide exceptional customer service. We can maximize visibility for independently owned businesses by using resources to give shops the attention they deserve by supporting economic longevity and revealing them to new customers.

We can strengthen Hoboken’s identity by improving the public realm with safety and accessibility enhancements, both notable factors that influence customer experience. With 47 percent of Hoboken’s customer base coming from the city and 53 percent from the broader region, implementing projects that encourage people to stay longer and help boost Hoboken’s reputation beyond the city limits is good for business.

If you’ve been on Washington Street in the evening recently, you may have noticed it was a bit brighter than usual. New bistro lighting was recently installed, illuminating 15 blocks connecting uptown and downtown Hoboken. Initiatives like this create opportunities for folks to discover the many gems that contribute to the city’s economy in uptown Hoboken and beyond. The continuity the lights bring to Washington Street is an easily identifiable element that unifies the street and adds to the welcoming ambiance of the area, in addition to increasing visibility for pedestrians, bikers and drivers.

To support a thriving commercial district and increase visitors, there must be continued capital investments in shared public spaces.

There needs to be a clear plan to implement these much-needed improvements to transform our built environment and encourage people to shop and dine here year-round. I was elated to see the HBA publish its Strategic Plan, which does just that. This plan outlines recommendations to help keep Hoboken a competitive and desirable place, including building relationships amongst local businesses, bringing more cultural events and entertainment to life, and even long-term projects like improving bike parking and Washington Street sidewalk upgrades. HBA also provides businesses with resources to navigate challenges and advocate as a cohesive unit. When businesses unite forces to address a challenge – as was the case during COVID – the entire community reaps the economic benefits. Having a convening entity and a strong roadmap helps businesses achieve shared goals, whether it be through public space improvements or business networking, both methods ultimately support tourism, facilitate community-building, and advance the Mile Square City as a destination.

When conveners like the HBA bring public and private players together to support and invest in strategic initiatives, Hoboken can be a place that draws visitors from around the region for elevated retail and dining experiences. Recent public upgrades give me hope that momentum for additional projects will unfold as more exciting changes evolve. I’m looking forward to the next phase of Hoboken’s commercial future and how driving community collaboration will evolve to benefit businesses and customers and continue to present a world-class experience for the next economic era in Hoboken.

Diane Stiglich is the owner of Luna Rosa. She has operated small businesses in Hoboken for more than 35 years.