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Main Street Alabama and Atmore officials April 29 released results from a consumer survey that details economic development and enhancement initiatives in downtown Atmore.

Between 20-25 residents came for the presentation, which was given by Downtown Professionals Network Owner Jay Schlinsog.

Four-hundred-and-seventeen Atmore residents and business professionals participated in the survey, which was held in February.

Schlinsog said after the presentation that there were several areas of the survey that jumped out to him.

“The fact that it’s recognized that downtown is a good investment, especially from some of those who recognize that is really important,” Schlinsog said. “That certainly will provide a launching pad for opportunities going forward.”

Using a scale between 1-5, Schlinsog noted that consumers and businesses rated downtown as a good lace to invest. According to the survey results, the average rating from consumers was 3.81, and 4.19 from businesses.

One other area that jumped out to Schlinsog was consumers’ interest in downtown housing.

According to the survey, 41 percent of consumers surveyed answered yes or maybe when asked if they’d consider living in downtown Atmore.

Some 77.2 percent said they’d own, and 22.8 percent said they’d rent, according to the survey.

Schlinsog said there are opportunities in Atmore that can be potential residential areas, where residents can have access to the services downtown.

Other notable results from the survey included:

• 68 percent of consumers visit downtown most often for dining;

• 66 percent visit downtown daily or weekly for errands or office/service-related purposes;

• 14 percent identified The Coffee House LLC as the downtown business or place visited most often. Gather, Philanthropic Seed, Gulf Winds Credit Union, the U.S. Post Office, United Bank, Walmart, We Care Thrift Store, First National Bank and Trust and The Junky Pearl round out the top 10;

• 77 percent of consumers rely on social media for Atmore area news and information. 50.4 percent of consumers said they rely on local newspapers’ online editions, and 31.4 percent rely on newspapers’ print editions;

• Consumers gave a high rating for how special events create vibrancy in downtown;

• Some 49.4 percent of consumers, and 50 percent of businesses said that downtown is improving or making progress;

• 67 percent of consumers surveyed agree completely (39 percent) or somewhat (28 percent) with the statement that during the pandemic, shopping in a small town environment is safer than shopping in a larger metro area;

• On what would make consumers visit downtown more often, survey results indicate that 37 percent selected a steakhouse for eating and drinking, and 32 percent selected specialty foods grocer, deli and wine as a retail establishment;

• 56 percent of responding businesses plan to expand services or product lines and to start or complete building improvements; and,

• 40 percent said gross sales or revenues increased in 2020 as compared to 2019.

To view the complete survey results, click here.