HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — At least five businesses have permanently closed in Holland over the last few weeks, fueling uncertainty about the health of the downtown area — but the local Chamber of Commerce says the vacancy rate actually isn't too far from normal.

The owner of Onalee’s Boutique said a variety of factors, both personal and economic, led her to make the tough decision to shutter her shop on 8th Street in Holland. It’s the second store she has had to close in just the last two years.

"It’s a lot of variables. Honestly, it's a lot," owner Stacy Gnewkowski said, speaking with News 8 at Onalee's Hudsonville location.

When Onalee's first opened, she wanted to fill a hole in the boutique industry.

"We really try to find affordable, trendy clothing. Before we started, boutiques wer

See Full Page