With today’s struggling economic climate, money (or lack thereof) can make or break a business, especially a local one. In light of the economic recession and the challenges of breaking even, students need to support Massachusetts Street and all local businesses around it, to preserve the unique downtown experience for everyone.

Last fall, students at the University represented all 50 states and more than 110 countries in the world. Perhaps one of the most traditional aspects of the city life is the rich history of downtown, a history which today is challenged by hard economic times. Numerous stores have had to close their downtown doors, and it is up to the community to keep the remaining ones alive.

Recent summer closings in the downtown area include Palace Cards & Gifts, Round Corner Drug Store, Blue Heron Home Furnishings and Old World Pottery.

For Tom Wilkerson, owner and founder of Jayhawk Spirit, a sportswear and collectibles store on Massachusetts Street, which was started in 1981, the recession has not directly affected the store. However, he said he could see its effects by just looking down the street.

“I could probably name more businesses that have left than ones that have come to take their place,” Wilkerson said. “We can stabilize what our expenses are going to be, and if there’s a slow period, we make adjustments.”

The effects of the recession are evident around the country, even in the smallest towns of the Midwest. Lawrence hasn’t been hit the hardest, but to see the recession affect downtown life is just as disheartening.

Wilkerson also pointed out how a mall opened in Columbia, Mo., and “killed their downtown.” This is yet another reason Lawrence should refuse to resemble its eastern neighbors. The vibrant downtown energy and atmosphere doesn’t compare to the stale inside of a mundane shopping mall.

“Merchandise that is hard to find, some of it is specialized, and people think our store is pretty special. Where else can you get this kind of diversity?” Wilkerson said.

In January of this year, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration reported that “Kansas’ economic recovery will depend on small business.” Lawrence’s stores are the epitome of small business and they need help to succeed.

The Lawrence downtown business district is in need of faithful student support. Though the economy seems to be fluctuating as time goes by and businesses are in a time of uncertainty, common sense tells us that to keep our businesses intact, we have to prove that we want to keep them here.

Keep the malls and chain stores at bay. Students and the members of the community should spend their money at downtown stores to preserve local, unique businesses.

— — Brett Salsbury for The