WCU buys on-campus commercial buildings
Western Carolina University is now the proud owner of the strip of commercial property known locally as the downtown Cullowhee business district.
Franklin declines to help shopping center owner keep Wal-Mart
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Franklin town officials have turned down a request made by the owners of the Wal-Mart plaza in Franklin to help encourage expansion in the store’s current location along the U.S. 441 bypass rather than move forward with company plans to build a new Supercenter.
Dayco developers want rules relaxed
Developers of a strip shopping complex at the site of the old Dayco factory in Waynesville are asking for several exemptions to the town’s land-use plan, including the height of signs, building appearance and parking lot design.
Railroad right of way claim could stall business expansion
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
A Dillsboro business owner’s recent attempt to purchase and develop land near the Great Smoky Mountains Railrod tracks has renewed a longstanding debate over railroad right-of-way issues and property owners’ rights.
Breaking the code: Merchants hope study provides reliable data about customers
For two and a half years, David Erikson at Twigs and Leaves has offered a monthly drawing for a gift certificate as a surreptitious means to compel customers to share their hometown address.
Retailers get ready for opening day
By Michael Beadle
As the opening date approaches for the North Carolina Education Lottery, local retailers in Western North Carolina are gearing up to sell the first batch of tickets.
At the Cullasaja Exxon outside of Franklin, owner Ronnie Setzer is ready.
Incubator failed to help entrepreneurs
A small business incubator in Waynesville has failed in it mission to nurture entrepreneurs and start-up companies, and instead has devolved into little more than a building to house a handful of companies for the long haul, according to critics.
