By james art BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Magic City Classic is expected to generate economic shocks from more than 20 million dollars for the city of Birmingham, but for shops and restaurants in Five Points South, it could mean even more.
“After the shooting, I’ve definitely seen an increase in traffic because people are just coming back to Five Points,” said Ace Graham, owner of Alchemy, a shoe and clothing store in Five Points South.
After the mass shooting in Five Points South, Graham said people were shocked, but now that the community has more information and an arrest has been made, he believes people are feeling more like themselves.
“I think people are starting to settle in and realize that this is my day-to-day life and I have to go back to the things I’m used to doing, so it’s been great to see more people at Five Points,” Graham said.
He added that his small business is part of Birmingham’s driving community and has never lost momentum, but other businesses have.
With events like the Magic City Classic happening this weekend, he hopes Five Points South will thrive.
“I think the nightlife in Five Points is great for a lot of businesses because people have a chance to go to parties and then they can come to Five Points and get something to eat,” Graham said. “Especially for us, it’s huge. I mean, everyone wants to have a cool, fresh outfit and great shoes for the weekend. So we’ve been busy all week.
City leaders expect the game’s regional impact to be between $26 million and $27 million.
“It’s huge to see people supporting small businesses all the time,” Graham added. “I’ve always said that small business is the backbone of America, and it’s definitely the backbone of Birmingham, so we’re very, very fortunate to have people who support us so well.”
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