This summer, retail recruiter Eileen Reilly has been busy giving Avenue tours to prospective CH tenants.

Just because there haven’t been any Avenue ribbon cutting ceremonies this summer, doesn’t mean that Chestnut Hill’s retail recruiter, Eileen Reilly, hasn’t been hard at work securing new shops and eateries for Germantown Avenue.

Contracts in negotiation, more on the way

Although she can’t confirm restaurant names or boutique details just yet, Reilly can confirm that there are 3 Avenue properties that are in the midst of lease negotiations with new business owners. One lease has already been signed, and hopes to be open by Christmas this year.

Additionally, 2 other women’s boutiques from out-of-state took a few visits out to Chestnut Hill and walked the Avenue with Reilly in July.

“These 2 other female-owned retail stores are an exceptional match for Hillers – they’re just waiting for the right size property to become available,” says Reilly who keeps in touch with these prospects.

Even with lease negotiations taking longer than Reilly had expected, she believes wholeheartedly that Hillers will be able to scout out Christmas gifts at a new Avenue shop by December.

“One of my retail contacts, who has signed a Chestnut Hill lease, is a tremendous fit for the Avenue's young family customer. She is pushing to be open by this holiday season,” says Reilly.

Lease negotiations take a long time

Reilly says the biggest misconception she had prior to being Chestnut Hill’s retail recruiter was the amount of time it takes for lease negotiations to be finalized.

“A business owner wants to open a second location in Chestnut Hill, and I have an affordable empty storefront for rent. It seems like it’d be a simple dance, but it’s not,” says Reilly.

A Day in the life as CH’s retail recruiter

Since starting her new gig in June as the face of Chestnut Hill, Reilly has completely immersed herself in the boutique and restaurant scouting process. “Just because new businesses haven’t set up shop yet, doesn’t mean we haven’t made progress,” says Reilly who hasn’t gone 2 weeks since June without showing an open storefront to a prospective business owner.

Reilly’s favorite part of the week as our Avenue recruiter is when she gets to pack up her car, and take a drive to explore shops, restaurants, and boutique businesses in other communities.

“I love when I find surprises,” says Reilly, “Some of my best finds and prospects for Chestnut Hill have come from days where I plan to visit a particular store in…let’s say Brooklyn…and then I stumble upon the best eco-friendly beauty shop by coincidence that just so happens to be a fan of Chestnut Hill.”

When Reilly is out in the field, she feels fresh with the feeling of endless possibilities, “I love to share my love of Chestnut Hill with exciting business owners that I hope will want to find a home in our community,” says Reilly.

Reilly says even when she leaves the state of PA. people know what a strong community Chestnut Hill is, and are genuinely interested in investing their businesses in our community.

“It’s not a hard sell at all – I say Chestnut Hill, and owners want to talk serious details,” says Reilly.

To stay up-to-date on the latest trends, Reilly goes to national trade shows like the New York City Gift Show, reads trend-setting blogs like Design Sponge, and connects with up and coming designers and retailers via Twitter and Facebook.

Searching for tasty restaurants, too

Reilly is also doing her fair share of taste-testing as part of her recruiting homework. She hopes to not only bring interesting, hip, and eco-savvy retailers to Chestnut Hill, but also wants to expand our assortment of dining choices.

“I’m visiting a lot of trendy BYOB restaurants, wine-driven cafes, intimate date-night spots, and upscale dining places,” says Reilly who wants to bring some more sophisticated adults only restaurants to the Avenue.

However, sleek upscale eateries aren’t her only target for lunch and dinner additions.

“At the same time, I’m also aware of the need to appeal to our hardworking moms, dads, and youngsters – I also want to bring in even more choices where the entire family can have a meal together and relax,” says Reilly who is taking a family-focused, diner-inspired restaurateur on a tour of Chestnut Hill before Labor Day.

Do you have a favorite baby clothes or children’s boutique?

When Reilly hits the roads and travels up and down the east coast this autumn, she is still on the hunt for the perfect baby and children’s’ boutique.

“We have a lot of young moms in strollers walking the Avenue on a daily basis – I want to bring this important customer and member of our community an exciting place for them to take their kids to shop,” says Reilly.

Reilly welcomes fellow Hillers suggestions and wish-lists of retail shops! Please e-mail Eileen Reilly directly with all comments and inquiries.