Fort Myers locals rally around small businesses as national chain eyes downtown

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—A debate is brewing in downtown Fort Myers over ice cream.

A longtime local shop owner says she's frustrated after learning a national chain could soon open just steps away from her business. She says she's worried about what more corporate stores could mean for the small businesses that have helped shape downtown.

WINK News spoke with business owners and customers about the controversy. Many people who walk these streets say that what makes downtown Fort Myers special is the mix of small, locally owned shops.

While a new business could bring more options to the area, some business owners say they worry about losing the character that makes this place unique. Scoops on First has been a staple in downtown Fort Myers for more than a decade.

Owner Tricia Davis says a Cold Stone Creamery is expected to open just five doors down. "You're literally talking in the exact same HOA building as me, the same brick and mortar, the same board of directors, the same everything, but different landlords," Davis said.

Davis shared her frustrations in a Facebook post, which quickly drew hundreds of comments. Many said they visit downtown specifically to support small businesses and worry a national chain could change what makes the area unique.

That's a concern shared by other business owners. "When we get big corporate stores that are coming in and taking over our downtown, it's pushing our small businesses, our local businesses out," said Tim Ferguson, owner of Enjewel Boutique.

"I'm not opposed to chains coming in, but chains could come in a block off the main street, and really retain this area for our local small businesses," Ferguson said. Business owners aren't the only people who feel that way.

One neighbor said it's very few and far between, that it's still that mom-and-pop feel, and that Scoops on First is definitely one of them. "So it'll be sad to have a Cold Stone next door," the neighbor said.

"I hope that people shop local instead," the neighbor said. Others say they don't mind having another option, but they still plan to support the local businesses they've grown to love.

"They'll have their regular people that go to Cold Stone anyway, coming there, whether they're five doors down or right next door," said neighbor Jenna Satterfield. "The regulars will go there. I'll go to Scoops," Satterfield said.

The City of Fort Myers says it does not have a role in private leasing decisions between landlords and tenants. WINK News also reached out to the building's property manager, who said the board of directors declined to comment.