A few weeks back, we wrote about our nation’s first enclosed shopping center in Edina, MN. Today, we celebrate Progress Plaza, which was the first African-American owned shopping center in the U.S. Per its website, the center “was founded in 1968 by the late Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, and funded by Zion Baptist Church charter members, the local Philadelphia black community, and individual investors. The 95,000 square foot commercial property completed a $22 million dollar renovation in 2009. Sullivan Progress Plaza celebrated a 50-year milestone during 2018 and remains a beacon of pride in the North Philadelphia community.” Tenants include four banks, The Fresh Grocer, SunRay Drugs, eyecare, nailcare, and a Sherwin Williams. Some of the other places shoppers at Progress Plaza like to go to include Cousin’s Supermarket, ShopRite, and the local YMCA.
Looking at AGS: Behavior & Attitudes, it appears that the majority of Progress Plaza shoppers who make up 70% of visits take great pride in their appearance, with over a quarter calling themselves Appearance Self-Satisfied, and many over-indexing compared to the national average for Hairstyle Adventurers (index 164 compared to the national average of 100), Seeking Youthful Appearance (index 150), and Dress to Impress (Index 140). In addition to the nail salon, a salon and spa could be great additions to the center.
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