Housing in the downtown areas of Davenport, Rock Island, and Moline is in high demand. With so many people making the move, it's created a new need for an old concept: "mom and pop shops". In the 1980's small businesses began moving out of downtown areas and many were replaced with "big box" stores like Hy-vee or Wal-mart.
However, "little one stop shops" are making a comeback. In downtown Moline, the Eagles Nest Convenience Store offers residents everything from alcohol, to milk, to spaghetti sauce, to socks.
"I think that's what America was founded on, mom and pop shops, I think going to Wal-mart, going to Hy-vee, nothing wrong with them, but they don't have that personal touch," said Jatin Sood, Owner of the Eagles Nest.
He says the store has been in business about three and half years total but he bought it two years ago. Since then his inventory has grown as more and more people make the move downtown.
"Living in downtown Moline say you need something at 2:00 in the morning or 1:00 we don't have to drive all the way up to Avenue of the Cities or John Deere road. It helps a lot, helps a lot especially with a small family."
Sood, who lives in downtown Moline himself says it's something he's taken advantage of on more than one occasion.
"Actually it's a lifesaver."
Erness Simmons says that's exactly why she decided to open up the "District Market" in downtown Rock Island. Right now its under construction. Simmons says she grew up the area and realized the need for a general store.
"People really want to be able to walk and get what they need instead of getting in the car. I feel great about it, small businesses are really important, I think there was a time the small businesses were kind of fading away and the big big business were prospering."
However, Simmons says a new future lies ahead, where the business owner is the person helping you behind the counter.
"I just really want to create jobs in Rock Island, keep things local."
Downtown Davenport also has a small grocery store. It was expanded last year due to the growing downtown population.
