The definition of downtown

The front page of the Morning News declared a victory in a part of Rogers that has needed some good news: Downtown Adds New Businesses.
I was excited, ecstatic even, in reading that they include a shoe store, an upscale men's clothier, and a book store. The details, however, left me wanting something more, like perspective.
So in lieu of any perspective from the Morning News, I'll offer my own, one by one.

• The shoe store in question is New Balance, right there in the heart of downtown Rogers near the corner of Dixieland and Walnut. Yes, merely 23 stones throws, give or take from those historic brick streets. And New Balance opened in September. Hasn't anyone thought this newsworthy until now. It's a little late to be celebrating its opening, so maybe a different angle would have been more appropriate. And no, I don't think including the reported price of renovation counts.
• Bauman's Fine Clothiers may be an upscale mens clothing store, but it is located in The Shoppes at Pinnacle Hills. I don't think I need to say anything more.
• Of the three Trolley Line Bookshop is the only business in downtown Rogers, and could be a nice addition to the merchant base. I have yet to venture into it, but I have added it to my list. My only concern, and it is a relatively small one, is that Trolley Line will cut into the business of the nearby Friendly Bookstore, owned and operated by the Friends of Rogers Public Library with the express purpose of supporting the library. The non-profit shop is one every Rogers resident should patronize. I am hoping, meanwhile, that Trolley Line fills a different niche in the market and the two can coexist peacefully.

To be fair to Lana Flowers' article, while the pointlessness of the story was accurately reflected, the poor choice of headline appears to be another's fault. The online story is printed under a different headline: New Balance Open, Bookstore Coming To Downtown Rogers. It's a mouthful and inspires no one to read the story, but at least it's accurate. So to the copy editors and page designers: Read the story before you change the headline. Please.
Happy reading.