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Businesses reopen after Edmondson Village Shopping Center fire

Posted at 5:16 PM, Dec 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-12 11:39:27-05

BALTIMORE (WMAR) — Nearly three weeks after fire ripped through West Baltimore's historic Edmondson Village Shopping Center, several businesses are finally able to reopen.

"I'm just trying to do my best to get back on my feet," said Michael, owner of Fashion Town. "I felt that I had to open because it's Christmas season."

Michael said they sustained smoke damage and power was only just restored over the weekend. A fire ripped through 10 businesses at the shopping center at 12:30 in the morning on Nov. 22. Michael said being closed for so long took a toll.

MORE: 10 businesses damaged, destroyed in Edmondson Village Shopping Center fire

"You got all the Black Friday sales going on a few days before Thanksgiving, so unfortunately it coincided with that period up to Christmas so I'm probably losing maybe 50% of my sales," said Michael.

Fashion Town reopened yesterday, Subway last Friday and Royal Carryout today.

"It sounds wonderful you know. I'm glad they were able to recuperate and get back to business," said loyal Royal customer Stephan Dorsey.

Still though, at least nine businesses remain shuttered with condemned signs plastered out front.

As the Baltimore City Fire Department investigates the cause of the fire, locals hope revitalization efforts come fast.

"This shopping center brings life. It brings life around here. It's our last thing the Edmondson Village has as a monument," said Shaakir Mohammed.

City Councilman Kristerfer Burnett is not aware of any businesses being relocated in the meantime and owners that are back open hope the damage doesn't keep customers away this holiday season.

"Support local, that's important," said Michael.