Louisville officials are touting new retailers on Fourth Street as a return to the city's heritage, when the corridor was a center of retail.Mayor Greg Fischer cut the ribbon Monday on the Fourth Street block between Chestnut Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, where astreetscape project was recently undertaken.Adding retail downtown has been a goal of Fischer's administration.The project and addition of eight retailers helps address a longstanding issue in downtown Louisville—a lack of retailers, particularly for conventioneers.The tourists' "No. 1 question is always, 'Where can I shop?'" Fischer said.Stan Lounsbury, owner of the new retailer Celebrations, said he's already gotten business from people who work downtown and from tourists.
"Remember, a lot of our target customers aren't driving," he said.The retailers are on Fourth between the Seelbach Hotel and the Brown Hotel. Retailers on South Fourth will also be able to validate parking for customers who leave their vehicles in garages after 6 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends and holidays, said Cathy Duncan, director of the Parking Authority of River City.The retailers that have or will open on South Fourth Street are:Art EatablesBlcok Party Handmade BoutiqueCelebrationsThe Leading ManLes Filles LouisvilleRegaloCraft(s)Gifthorse
