The construction on Second Avenue in Nashville is part of an initiative to revamp the area following the 2020 Christmas Day bombing. However, local businesses are concerned that their shops are being overlooked amidst the ongoing construction. Morgan Bell, a manager at Nashville Souvenirs, shared that foot traffic has shifted significantly, with potential customers assuming the area is closed due to barricades and fences.
Despite efforts by the Nashville Downtown Partnership to inform people that businesses are open with banners urging them to “turn the corner,” businesses continue to feel the impact. For instance, Mattheessen’s dessert shop has seen a 40 percent decrease in sales compared to last year, despite a big Morgan Wallen show last weekend. Hunter Mattheessen expressed disappointment as the expected surge in customer traffic did not materialize, leaving it just an average Saturday on Second Avenue.
While the full project is set to be completed by early next year, businesses are eagerly awaiting the partial reopening of part of the road in September. This will come as much-needed relief during the busy summer tourist season, allowing businesses to better serve their visitors. Despite facing challenges brought about by ongoing construction, businesses remain hopeful for improvements in the near future.
