UPTOWNflavor

Harlem Businesses (Part II)

Last week we posed the question ‘What is the problem with Harlem businesses?’ Some of the reader responses included:

Harlem could use some diversity in stores -Joe

I used to always spend my money with that Black lady that owned/operated the hardware store on 125th, remember her? She was driven out of business and now when I need local quick hardware supplies, that lady and her business are no longer on 125th. I still though spend Black for these items, I though have had to go to these far smaller hole in the wall Black hardware stores scattered about. Shame. -Anonymous

I’m new to Harlem but I shop in the neighborhood almost exclusively. Given that everything you could possibly need is on 125th St, I think I’d have to go out of my way not to shop here. I agree with the others who commented on the lack of diversity in the cuisine available. I’d say I only dine out in the neighborhood 25% of the time, but it’s because I’ve only found two places that have really good food and where the service is good. I really want to support the restaurant on my block, but the service is so bad. I’ve given it three changes, and each time was worse. It’s a shame. -R.K.

One of the issues that wasn’t brought up in the previous post was the lack of friendly customer service. Of course it would be unfair to only point the finger at Harlem, since customer service is a problem all over the city, but readers have a point that businesses in Harlem really need to step up to the plate when it comes to providing a friendly, helpful, clean and well-stocked environment for customers. If a person feels welcomed, they will often pay more and return to that business if they feel that their business is appreciated. Otherwise a business will lose out to the mass marketer that are encroaching on Harlem.

One vendor offered the following words of advice:

Customer service is the key to success in his line of business, says Abdoul-Diallo co-owner of a multi purpose phone card store located at 1951 Seventh Avenue in Harlem.

His business provides job opportunities for Uptown residents and also stocks popular accessories throughout the year.

Diallo offers advice to fellow West Africans who want to open a business in the newly booming Harlem: “You have to be nice to the people in the neighborhood and respect others. Above all, be honest.” When people learn to trust you then they will spread the word to others and your business will prosper, he says. Source: Black Star News

We’d like to hear from both sides; What is the problem from the point of view of business owners and customers? Are there specific incidents that you run into repeatedly when dealing with uptown stores and restaurants? Please share your experiences in the comments section below.