By Eric Ellis
Clay Terrace’s unique outdoor setting and menagerie of 80 businesses – both locally-owned and national chains – make it a popular destination for area shoppers. But unlike the common David-versus-Goliath scenario putting mom-and-pop shops out to dry, smaller businesses that call Clay Terrace home are thriving. And after Clay Terrace celebrated its 10-year anniversary, many business leaders are reflecting on the success they’ve seen and hopeful for the future as well.
Megan Coors, director of marketing and business development at Clay Terrace, said it’s a great location for any type of business.
“Thanks to our great retailer mix, Clay Terrace has [become]the premier shopping center in Carmel, as well as a dining and entertainment destination,” Coors said. “We have always recognized that our visitors come here not only come here to shop and dine, but also to connect.”
Coors said that during the past 10 years, Clay Terrace has grown to provide the community with unique events for families to enjoy year-round. But it’s not just a good atmosphere for families and shoppers.
“We find that small businesses do well because of the community we are a part of,” Coors said. “Carmel-area residents appreciate the unique products and services local businesses have to offer and they’re proud to support those owners.”
And several business owners within the outdoor mall agree.
Anne White, co-owner of AH Collection with Holly Kirsh, said they’ve been in Clay Terrace for six years though the two have been in the boutique business for 20 years.
“Since we’re one of the only local boutiques, we feel like we bring a certain uniqueness to this open air mall with so many big conglomerates,” White said. “And we’ve found most of our customers really enjoy shopping local, so it’s been great for us.”
White also said they’re also considering expanding into other markets in the Indy-metro area. And their success and ambition for future endeavors is not an isolated event within the small business owners of Clay Terrace.
George Nae, owner of House of Martial Arts, said improvement is definitely on the horizon, as well as expansion and possibly opening another location.
“We’ve been in Clay Terrace for six years though I’ve been doing martial arts for 19 years and I’ve owned schools for the past 15 years,” Nae said. “Clay Terrace is really neat. We get so many people coming in and out from everywhere in the Carmel and Westfield area – even people from as far as Sheridan. They’re all great people to deal with and I really enjoy being here.”
Nae attributes the success of the House of Martial Arts to the amount of traffic the mall gets.
“It’s such a geographically recognized area,” Nae said. “And a good reference point. I tell everybody ‘I’m at Clay Terrace’ and they know exactly where it’s at.”
Some owners think the larger retail stores may actually help rather than hurt by bringing in more foot traffic than smaller businesses could normally expect.
Shelby Rouse, owner of Luxe Home Interiors, for example, said she’s not intimidated by the “big-box retailers.”
“We’ve been really successful here in Clay Terrace,” Rouse said. “The previous owner decided to bring the store here and we found the right clientele.”
In regards to the future, Rouse said she also expects to see more growth.
“I think Clay Terrace isn’t going anywhere,” she said. “It’s a great shopping spot for Carmel residents and the surrounding communities.”
Clay Terrace and its various businesses – small and large – have a lot to celebrate after 10 years of success and involvement in the Carmel and surrounding communities. One could only expect to see similar achievements in the future as construction winds down around U.S. 31 and as the mall offers more family-oriented events, becoming more than just a stylish outdoor lifestyle mall, but a true destination for local residents and business leaders alike.
