Eden Center struggling during pandemic
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| Happier times at the Eden Center. |
The Eden Center, a shopping center full of small Vietnamese businesses at the edge of Seven Corners in Falls Church, is struggling during the economic collapse brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, state a report on WAMU 88.5 April 29.
“The pandemic that is shuttering restaurants across the country is draining the life out of the Eden Center,” Eliza Berkon writes. “Layoffs abound as foot traffic wanes. Revenue at still-open shops is tanking. Xenophobia lingers as yet another threat to business. And an immigrant community that’s been here for nearly half a century is watching a beacon of its vitality grow dim.”
Saigon Bakery and Deli, Rice Paper, and Huong Viet are among the many eateries that have closed. [The Eden Center website lists takeout menus for restaurants offering carryout service.]
One of the restaurant owners interviewed for the article said business is just 10 percent of what it had been before the pandemic, and 90 percent of his staff has been laid off. While he received funding from a Paycheck Protection Program loan, he remains concerned about covering all his expenses if business remains stagnant.
The Eden Center is more than a shopping center, it’s at the center of the Vietnamese community, and before the pandemic, drew customers from all over the region, especially for events, such as Tết, the Vietnamese new year festival. The WAMU article, which covers the history of the Eden Center, can be accessed here.
5 responses to “Eden Center struggling during pandemic”
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"Xenophobia lingers as yet another threat to business."
Is there any evidence cited for this? Or are we just assuming that during a Global Pandemic and a state-wide lockdown that, because the restaurants and stores are Asian-American owned and business is down, it's probably some element of racism. Eliza Berkon (WAMU author of the article) is the exact kind of element that makes a tough situation worse by being disgusting for no reason.
Did you read a bit further down in the article or just abruptly stop there so you could get up on your high horse.
I am not the original poster, but read the whole post. My similar question wasn't answered, which is why I asked it. I suppose I did it with a little less angst and anger than this questioner, but it's a relevant question. Other than the author of this article, does anyone have any evidence that xenophobia is in play?
I don't deny that xenephobia is a huge problem and has lots of horrible effects. I'm wondering if there's any actual evidence that it's is having any effect in this case.
This is sad to hear. The Eden center is a great place!
I do wonder if there really is any truth to the idea that xenophobia is making things harder on Eden center stores compared to other small stores and restaurants. It's probably hard to know for sure either way.
Its a ill informed comment without comp sales. Our community around Eden Center is super diverse and welcoming. I haven't heard any news of anti Asian incidents in Annandale/seven corners being reported in this blog!