By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City has faced its share of challenges in recent years, with several businesses closing their doors. According to Ashley Warner, general manager at the Louisiana Boardwalk, these closures are largely due to broader economic issues impacting the retail sector nationwide, including multiple corporate bankruptcies.
“Most of the retailers that have closed at the Boardwalk have been affected by corporate bankruptcies,” Warner explained. “Gap, Banana Republic, Express, and rue21 are all victims of corporate bankruptcies that have led to their closures at the Boardwalk.”
Warner highlighted that the retail sector is struggling across the country as more customers turn to online shopping. As a result, traditional retail stores are not expected to see significant growth in the region in the near future.
Addressing a common misconception, Warner stated, “It’s a very common misconception that our rents are high at the Boardwalk, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We are offering incentive-based terms, and our owners are eager to provide space to quality retailers, restaurants, and offices.”
Despite past closures, Warner emphasized that new businesses are on the way to the Boardwalk.
“The leasing inquiries we are receiving are mostly for entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, and experience venues,” Warner said. “With the opening of Simple Church’s new event venue, Sweet Caroline’s Piano Bar, and the anticipated opening of a pickleball venue, we expect increased interest in the coming years.”
New additions to the Boardwalk are set to debut in September, including a nail salon opening next to Perfumes4U and Shop Til’ You Drop Boutique, which will be located next to Rack Room Shoes. Shop Til’ You Drop, known for its events at the Bossier Civic Center, will offer a permanent location featuring booth spaces with quality vendors, crafters, and boutique items.
Additionally, The Simple Church will celebrate the grand opening of a 15,000-square-foot event center for weddings, reunions, parties, and other events in September.
Looking ahead, Warner sees the geographic location around the Louisiana Boardwalk as prime for future business opportunities, which she believes will benefit the Boardwalk.
“With the opening of the Chasing Aces golf concept on the other side of Margaritaville and the Live! Casino concept, both in 2025, I believe this whole district will continue to thrive with new and exciting concepts,” Warner said.
She added, “Being the ‘downtown’ of sorts for Bossier City, our events continue to bring foot traffic and excitement to the Boardwalk. From car shows to makers’ fairs, fireworks to parades, we strive to maintain a full calendar for our community and tourism traffic.”