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Bedford Today
By the People, for the People
Empty Buildings Raising Concerns Among Bedford Businesses
Vacant storefronts in downtown Bedford are impacting local shops and restaurants, prompting town leaders to seek public input on solutions.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Several empty buildings in downtown Bedford, Virginia are causing concerns among local business owners. Patti Wilkerson, owner of Frederic's Flowers, has seen three shops close in the past year, and says the vacant storefronts are slowing down foot traffic. Restaurants like the Bridge Street Cafe have also lost regular customers from nearby businesses that had to shut down. Town leaders are aware of the issue and are working on solutions, including a public hearing to discuss vacant properties and ways to revitalize the downtown area.
Why it matters
Vacant storefronts can have a significant impact on the vibrancy and economic health of a downtown district. When businesses close, it reduces foot traffic and can lead to a negative cycle where remaining shops also struggle to stay afloat. Bedford's leaders recognize the need to address this issue and engage the community to find ways to attract new businesses and draw people back to the downtown area.
The details
Several empty buildings have accumulated in downtown Bedford over the past year, with three shops closing within that time period. Business owners like Patti Wilkerson of Frederic's Flowers say the vacant storefronts are an eyesore and have slowed down foot traffic, impacting their sales. Restaurants like the Bridge Street Cafe have also lost regular customers from nearby businesses that had to shut down. In response, town leaders are planning a public hearing to discuss solutions, including creating a list of available downtown buildings to help attract new businesses.
- In the past year, three shops have closed in downtown Bedford.
- Town leaders are planning a public hearing in the near future to discuss vacant properties and revitalization efforts.
The players
Patti Wilkerson
The owner of Frederic's Flowers, a local business in downtown Bedford.
Eden Chaffin
An employee at the Bridge Street Cafe, a restaurant in downtown Bedford.
Woody Watts
The public information officer for the Town of Bedford.
What they’re saying
“We could dress them up a little. They could be more attractive.”
— Patti Wilkerson, Owner, Frederic's Flowers (wset.com)
“When the bank closed, we lost regulars from that and just stuff like that, regulars from businesses that had to shut down.”
— Eden Chaffin, Employee, Bridge Street Cafe (wset.com)
“The overall concept is to just bring some foot traffic, business and individuals shopping, eating and having fun downtown.”
— Woody Watts, Public Information Officer, Town of Bedford (wset.com)
What’s next
Town leaders are planning a public hearing in the near future to discuss vacant properties and ways to revitalize the downtown area.
The takeaway
The accumulation of empty storefronts in downtown Bedford is negatively impacting local businesses and the overall vibrancy of the area. By engaging the community and exploring solutions to attract new businesses and draw people back to the downtown, Bedford's leaders hope to reverse this trend and restore the area's economic health.
