BOSTON — Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market were once among the busiest tourist attractions in the entire country, but the pandemic now has many merchants there wondering how much longer they can survive.
The holiday shopping season could make or break them.
Sara Youngelson is hoping the goodies at Kilvert & Forbes Bakeshop can woo customers back to the marketplace. She owns two other businesses there as well.
“Unfortunately, we’re a public market and it’s low foot traffic,” said Youngelson. “We do rely on tourism, I’m not going to lie about it, but we do get locals as well. But for what’s happening today, it’s not enough to continue to survive.”
About a quarter of the stores and restaurants have already thrown in the towel.
RELATED: Faneuil Hall businesses struggling as tourist, foot traffic fall amid pandemic
“It’s the quietness,” said Youngelson. “The whole city, you can hear a pin drop right now. It’s tough.”
The popular musical Christmas tree, known as “Blink”, that usually fills one plaza with holiday crowds is canceled this year.
RELATED: No holiday tree for Faneuil Hall in Boston this winter
Youngelson’s businesses survived previous downturns, like 9/11 and the Great Recession, but she says this time is different.
“The fact that people are almost afraid to come out and socialize. This is a property that is all about socializing. It’s about experiences. We don’t have street performers yet because of all the rules and regulations of the city right now,” said Youngelson.
When Faneuil Hall was renovated and reimagined in the 1970s, it gave downtown Boston a huge shot in the arm, according to Dave O’Donnell of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It certainly changed the whole feel and vibe of that part of the city.”
O’Donnell added the marketplace became a catalyst for other urban developments like the Big Dig and the Seaport District.
While Faneuil Hall increasingly became a tourist destination in recent years, merchants like Lisa McGinley are urging locals to come back this year. Sales at her cart, which focuses on musically themed items, are down 86%.
“Oh my God, it’s so important,” said McGinley. “We have things that the malls don’t have. When you buy something from me, or from any of my neighbors, you’re helping a person, not a company.”
Youngelson, who has operated her businesses for more than 30 years, believes a lot is at stake in the coming months for her, her employees, and the entire region. “What’s lost is a lot of jobs for hardworking people. Families could lose their homes. And what as an institution in the city, a light will be dimmed for a part of the city that should be the brightest.”
The management company that runs Faneuil Hall for the city has had some financial issues recently as well.
Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation of New York City was recently cited for owning the city millions in back taxes.
Boston 25 News has confirmed that the bill has now been settled. We reached out to Ashkenazy Acquisition for comment but didn’t hear back
RELATED: Company that leases Faneuil Hall put on eviction notice by the city
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