A new business map of Davidson has hit the streets. Details below.

Openings too: Cocoon Salon, YogaVibes

The weak economy and lower consumer spending is continuing to take its toll on local small businesses. Paperlilly on Main Street closed its doors last week. And Carolina Cones, a popular ice cream shop (and video rental and garden business) on North Main Street in Cornelius, is planning to close its doors for the winter. (They’ll wrap up with a free cone day.) Also below, news about new businesses: Cocoon Salon in the Stowe’s Corner building, and a website called YogaVibes.com.

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

• Carolina Cones, at 20801 N. Main St., Cornelius, plans to close its doors for the winter, Nov. 15 through March 15. To prepare for the closing, they’ll offer free cones on Saturday, Nov. 14, as long as supplies last. Employees said it’s the first time the store will be taking a winter hiatus. It typically weathers the slow winter season with income from a garden business behind the shop. But sales are down and the owner decided to close for the winter, they said. Carolina Cones plans to take advantage of the closing by doing a bit of remodeling.
• Danielle Knox closed card and paper goods shop Paperlilly last week after 10 years – 5 of those on Main St. Her first Main Street location was above the Village Store, then she moved next door, to 106 S. Main St., a year later. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a downtown merchant, however I am ready for change and moving on,” she said in an email. Building owner Rusty Knox says he’s search for a tenant to take over the space, which is next door to The Soda Shop.
  

  Michelle Walsh

• The Stowe’s Corner building at South Main and South streets has another new tenant. Owners James and Michelle Walsh of Cornelius opened Cocoon Salon on Oct. 16 on the building’s second floor, suite 206. Ms. Walsh and Tiffany Hamrick are the salon’s two stylists right now, and they hope to add two next year. They describe the salon on their website as “an intimate modern hair studio with stylists who are passionate about developing classic and innovative looks.” Hours art Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: www.cocoonsalon.com
• Davidson resident Brian Ratté in August opened an internet business called YogaVibes.com, offering viewers instruction in the ancient practice of yoga in the most modern of ways—on demand on their computers. Here’s how it works: Users can stream a high-definition yoga video for 14 days. They also may choose five classes to stream an unlimited number of times for $20 a month. Viewers can sample a variety of yoga styles, such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Anusara, and broaden their exposure to teachers around the world. And the site also offers free short instructional videos. YogaVibes.com also highlights the connection between yoga and addictions recovery. To see the full catalogue of classes available, visit YogaVibes.com.

NEW BUSINESS MAP

New downtown map. Click to download as a PDF.

Downtown Davidson Inc. has produced a new map of downtown businesses, sponsored by local merchants.  Drew Crawford, owner of Wooden Stone, led the effort to produce the new map. Mr. Crawford told DavidsonNews.net about 5,000 copies have been printed, offering shoppers a guide to local businesses and their locations.

Keep an eye out for it. Mr. Crawford said it’s available at hotels, Davidson College’s admissions office and guest house, the Lake Norman Visitors Center, and local shops and businesses.

Download a copy of the map to print at home (PDF), CLICK HERE>

SOCCER SPONSORSHIP

Visit Lake Norman, the local tourism promotion group, has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with North Mecklenburg Soccer Club. The deal, which runs 2009-2012, includes naming rights to the soccer club’s two big annual tournaments.

Visit Lake Norman says the arrangement will bring business to local merchants. It requires visiting teams, coaches and players to use hotels in Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville.

The annual events will be the VisitLakeNorman.org Kickoff in August and the VisitLakeNorman.org Socer Series in February.

CHAMBER PROGRAM FOR BIZ OWNERS

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce has created a new division to provide training for women and minority business owners. The program will include a program on “Understanding Your Financials” on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Lake Norman Chamber, 19900  W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius.  Kim Contino from K.A.C. Bookkeeping Services, Inc. will discuss how to understand financial statements, good bookkeeping and maintenance practices and the use of financial technology.

While the program is targeted at women and minority business owners, it is open any Lake Norman business.  Reservations required, by calling the Chamber at 704-892-1922.