''We used to know how well we were doing by the number of Safeway bags our customers would store behind the counter. As time went on, we saw fewer and fewer Safeway bags, because people weren't shopping there -- they were shopping at Whole Foods.''

David Franco, owner of the Universal Gear clothing store now located near 14th and P Streets. (Washington Business Journal)

''The residents and businesses used to only intersect in the [liquor board] hearing room, and that wasn't healthy. But, with the worsening economy, we're very worried about independent businesses on 17th, and we're all in the same boat now.''

Joel Lawson, president of the Dupont Circle Citizens Association. (Washington Business Journal)