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One year later, Coast small businesses are coming back.

Article Excerpt
Many small retailers on the Coast were casualties of Hurricane Katrina's wrath in 2005. Their recovery has taken different routes. Some businesses relocated and others are rebuilding. New businesses are also opening.

In hard hit Old Town of Bay St. Louis, the owners of Maggie May's on Main Street reopened August 12 of this year, almost one year after the devastating storm. The gallery, owned by John Brennan and David Moyan, specializes in local art and American craftsmen and artisans from across the country with an emphasis on handmade.

"We had a loss well in excess of $300,000 and it was seven months before we got an insurance check," Brennan said. "Since we reopened, business has been ridiculously good. It's wonderful and absolutely encouraging."

He adds that maybe he had low expectations but is pleased with the level of business Maggie May's is having. About 90% of that is attributed to local residents whereas before Katrina business came mostly from tourists. That change in customer base has caused these retailers to change the way they operate.

"It...

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