"We are sad to have it happen, but we are very fortunate in Fremont to have a number of places where people can shop."
JC Penney is closing in Fremont and the future of Gordman’s is uncertain.
"It's an incredible opportunity for small business owners; this is their chance to capitalize off it."
Some small business owners have mixed feelings about the closings.
"It concerns me to lose that shopping experience in the community, they were important to our retail mix."
The Chamber of Commerce says these closing could drive more people downtown to get a personal shopping experience.
That’s something business owners say is hard to find at huge department stores.
"It seems like people are getting more interested in boutiques and one of a kind things."
Bob Missel's store Sampters has been around since 1925.
He credits his success to building relationships.
"We know our customers by name when they walk through the door, we have long-term relationships."
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tara Lea hopes that service will keep people shopping locally and keep money in Fremont.
"If we have people who support local businesses, the money then circulates into our community, whether its owners spending money here, taxes increase, which then turns into a better quality of life for everyone in the community"
