Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Herman’s Discount

Tell us a bit about your store, how long you’ve been on Greenmount Ave, and how you came to be there?

Herman’s Discount is small family run operation. We started off as a discount dollar store but have branched out to include printing and embroidery services. Additionally, we are the vendor for some Baltimore city schools. My father started this chain 20 years ago, and we have had a location on Greenmount Ave since 1998. I personally joined up after completing college in the area.

What inspired you to renew your support of the Neighborhood Institute this year?

We are a little family-based store involved in the community. Without the community we would not be here, so we love to give back. We were happy to participate this year, as we see it as extremely important work that is being done.

You’ve been on Greenmount Ave for a long time, what are some of the positive changes you have seen in the Waverly Main Street corridor?

We have seen a lot of changes! A lot of businesses were closing down when I first came here, and my family briefly considered that we may have made a mistake. However, as the years went by the neighborhood diversified. We now have people investing and trying to bring the community back.  A lot of positive changes have occurred; including Waverly Main Street, beautification work on the streets/area, city code enforcement and increased police presence. One of the big pluses is that people feel safer coming to shop in the area. Johns Hopkins students are now more likely to shop on Greenmount ave. which is a huge clientele market we can now tap into.

If you could do anything to improve the area for business owners what would you like to see done?

I would like to see the streetscape look more appealing. Specifically, keeping trash under control and improving the overall appearance of the neighborhood are the major changes that jump out to me. I would also love to see more diverse businesses in the area (we have a lot of the same types currently).

Why do you think it is important for business owners to be involved with neighborhood associations and organizations?

I think it is critically important, because we need to know what is going on in the community. Anything that directly impacts the community, a merchant needs to be aware of and involved in if they want to be successful. This is true because without the community we do not have a business, and we must be in touch with the customers to serve them best.

Herman’s Discount is open:
M-Thursday 9am- 6pm
Friday-Saturday 9:00 am-6:30pm