PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The nonprofit Achievability is teaming up with the Philadelphia Commerce Department for its Storefront Improvement Program.
The initiative will offer free shop upgrades to four to six businesses along the 60th Street business corridor in West Philadelphia.
The first to receive a makeover: Garris Fabric Shop, located at 44 S. 60th St. Denise Garris, a beloved figure in the community, runs the business she took over from her parents in 1981, a time, she said, when business was good.
“Back in the day, people shopped on 60th street, and 52nd street was the entertainment area,” she said.
Garris was relieved to hear her shop had been chosen.
“I love it. My parents would be ecstatic over it,” she said.
Kristina Dugan with Achievability said Garris’ legacy business will set the tone for the program and for the neighborhood.
“Now she gets a glow-up, if you will, which is going to attract lots more customers,” she said.
The shop received an exterior makeover, with a new front construction and design.
“This is game-changing. So it’s tangible in-depth changes, not just cosmetic,” Dugan said.
Garris is ready to pass the business down to her great-granddaughter, who helped with the new storefront design.
“Yes, give back to the future, and she’s ready,” she said.
Design and construction were done in collaboration with the community design collective and the Philadelphia Commerce Department.