To the Editor:

We were concerned to read in the WDN about the imminent demise of yet another downtown Washington business, and our next door neighbors, to boot. It is sad whenever an enthusiastic business startup comes to an untimely end, whatever the reason.

But lest we begin 2012 on a negative business note, we wanted to share with your readers our recent Main Street experience. At the beginning of October, we closed our original Wine & Words store and Back Bay Cafe in Belhaven. It was a decision that was made with much thought and some trepidation. We decided to put all of our efforts into our five-year-old Washington Main Street store, Wine & Words … & Gourmet. Now, after three months, including the holiday season, we are very pleased to report that the move has exceeded our most optimistic hopes. We have been very well received downtown by shoppers, visitors, boosters (Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and Washington Harbor District Alliance), and City of Washington officials. Many customers have told us, “We’re so glad you’re here.”

And the holiday season has been remarkable in the number of visitors who have stated their preference for the downtown shopping experience over the mad crush of the malls and big box stores.

All in all, we are bullish on downtown Washington in 2012. We are very grateful for the welcome we’ve received, and we look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year.

JAMES McKELVEY

YVONNE SEDGWICK

Washington