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Local businesses begin to thrive on Downtown Mall strip once more

Consumerism appears to rebound in Charlottesville as stores, venues reopen

As the country begins to move out of the economic downturn, the number of consumers and shoppers strolling Charlottesville's Downtown Mall appears to have increased.

"We have seen an increase in the number of businesses moving downtown to the Mall, and our vacancy rate has significantly improved," said Aubrey Watts, director of Charlottesville's Office of Economic Development. "The Mall is a vibrant place to be, and as the national economy has improved, the local market has responded positively."

The local community has benefited from reopened storefronts and entertainment venues such as The Jefferson Theater and The Southern Caf

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