BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Magic City Classic is expected to generate an economic jolt of more than $20 million for the City of Birmingham, but for shops and restaurants in Five Points South it could mean even more.
“Since the shooting, I have definitely seen an increase in traffic as far as people just coming back to Five Points,” said Ace Graham, the owner of Alchemy, a footwear and apparel store in Five Points South.
After the Five Points South mass shooting, Graham said people were shocked, but now that the community has more information, and an arrest has been made, he believes people are feeling more like themselves.
“I think that people are starting to settle in and realize that this is my day-to-day life, and I have to get back to doing things that I’m used to doing, so it’s been great to see more people in Five Points,” Graham said.
He added that his small business is a part of Birmingham’s running community, and never really lost momentum but other businesses did.
With events like the Magic City Classic happening this weekend, he hopes Five Points South will thrive.
“I think the nightlife in Five Points has been great for a lot of businesses, because people get a chance to go to parties and then they can come into Five Points and get something to eat,” Graham said. “For us, it’s huge in particular. I mean, everybody wants to have a cool, fresh outfit, and some great shoes for the weekend. So, we’ve been busy all week.”
City leaders expect the regional impact of the game to be between $26 million and $27 million.
“It’s huge just to consistently see people supporting small business,” Graham added. “I’ve always said that small business is backbone of America, and it’s definitely the backbone of Birmingham, so we’re very, very fortunate to have people that support us so well.”
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