News photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Thursday, Kathryn Rousseau is seen making a drink at her Sassy Soda Co. LLC location at the Water Street Commons in downtown Alpena. The business is up and open, but a pair of other nearby businesses are closing.

ALPENA — Both the downtown Alpena Bigby location and Sweet Baby James have announced this week they are closing, a little over a year since the closure of Olivet Book and Gift shop in March 2025. Compounding those closures is the mixed interest shown by businesses to commit to a season at the Waterstreet Commons.

Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Executive Director Anne Gentry said that the announcements from both Bigby and Sweet Baby James was a surprise, though she understands how difficult the business landscape is for business owners at this time.

“It’s always a concern when a business closes downtown no matter what the reason,” she said. “It can really leave a big hole in the downtown.”

Gentry said that the current economy is “challenging for people” and that less people are spending discretionary income on entertainment, food, retail, et cetera. However, she said that there is always a mixture of reasons why businesses close.

“There are always a multitude of reasons why a business closes,” Gentry said.

She added that in nine years working at the DDA, businesses have naturally come and gone through the years for a variety of factors.

“There is always an ebb and flow,” she added.

Also challenging the downtown is the task of filling the sheds at the Waterstreet Commons for the summer season. Gentry said that three businesses have returned to the sheds for the season and Sassy Soda Co. LLC, a pop-up soda stand, just recently set up shop.

She added that the DDA is considering establishing a rotating roster of short term vendors to fill the sheds as interest has been shown for the location, but not many entrepreneurs have been confident in committing.

“Running a business is not easy,” she said.

Gentry added that the DDA has been working with the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce’s mentorship program to invite more businesses to consider a brick and mortar location. She said that the hope still is that the commons creates a “pipeline” for businesses to move from someone’s home to a brick-and-mortar location downtown.

She explained that the businesses that are leaving are leaving behind spaces which are “move in ready.”

Gentry said that though some entrepreneurs have good business plans and quality products and services, committing to a full time endeavor can be overwhelming and risky. She added that rent might also be a factor and so are the size of retail spaces that owners have to fill and maintain.

“The retail space is really hard at this time,” she said.

Overall, Gentry said that the DDA is confident in its ability to bring lasting, economic impact to the downtown while also hosting exciting events that attract residents and visitors.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.