SPRINGFIELD -- Four new businesses held their official grand openings on Commercial Street in downtown Springfield tonight -- the same day unemployment hit a 26-year high.

But local entrepreneurs are willing to bet against the bleak economic picture.

At the C-Street Trading Post, they've got your staples like canned goods and cat food.

"We're just like a small Price Cutter, only cheaper," said owner Paul Butler.

But for Butler, his store stands out for the convenience.  Customer have just a walk, instead of a drive to find their necessities. And they are encouraged to pick what they want to see fill the shelves.

"If they come in and want something and we don't have it, they come in and write it down and I go get it," said Butler.

Just two blocks away, it's not a necessity, but a luxury that one business owner hopes to build a customer base with.

At Doc Rebel's Trading Company, it's artwork -- all done by locals -- that decorates the walls.

Pieces range from $5 to $600 dollars, and owner Steve Graham's goal is to auction them off to eager bidders.

"There's no telling what could happen. We just have to get buyers in here for the art," said Graham at his grand opening.

Graham's first vision for the building was less lofty.  He planned to use it for storage for his construction company.  But when the economy bottomed out, he thought, "maybe we'll try something a little different."

It all fits the Urban District Alliance's mission of creating an artistic identify for the street, which is trying to become a venue for those seeking something a little different than your average strip mall.

"We've been open 2 weeks and the business is just picking up and doubling every 2 or 3 days," said Butler.

The other two Commercial Street grand openings that took place Friday night: LemonDrop, a studio space which will showcase local art and Anita's I-Deal Antiques.

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