With the current state of the economy consumers are tending to be a little more frugal with their spending, but in the West Seattle Junction businesses are faring well so far as their neighborhood has become a popular destination for people across the city.

At Northwest Art and Frame, owner Dan Reiner says business this fall has increased compared to this time last year.

Reiner says this is due largely to the fact that many local restaurants have received favorable press from citywide publications, creating good foot traffic on California Avenue. He added that the Farmers Market has also boosted his clientele on Sundays.

Lisa Myers, owner of Capers, says she often has customers coming in from outside the local neighborhood.

"We're getting some great press," Myers said. "People are realizing that this is a great neighborhood. We're a destination shopping area and a great local resource."

Bakery Nouveau has received significant praise from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and The Stranger, and frequently brings in customers from all over the city, including neighborhoods east of Lake Washington. Still, owner and lead chef William Leaman says that over the past month he has seen fewer customers coming in to treat themselves during the week. Nonetheless the bakery is still packed on weekends and Leaman says he has used the free time to develop new products, including a new breakfast croissant titled "The Junction," that he will introduce closer to the holiday season.

"I want to work harder to provide fresh products to the customers I see everyday," Leaman said.

Having been in the Junction for nearly two years, Leaman is glad that he was able to build a loyal clientele before the latest economic recession.

"The West Seattle customers are so loyal, and I really appreciate that," Leaman said.

Lora Lewis, owner of Hotwire Coffee, has also seen continued loyalty from her customers this fall. She attributes the coffee shop's steadily increasing business to the experience that people get when they spend just a few dollars at Hotwire.

"We're finding that people are not going out to eat as much but that they can still get a consistent beverage and great customer service," Lewis said.

At Husky Deli, Jack Miller says the moderate prices of their lunch items and catering has made the deli a popular choice for consumers on a budget. For companies that are struggling financially he says his catering is a much more affordable option than taking employees out to a restaurant.

"What would affect us is if some of the other businesses closed down because then they wouldn't be here to eat lunch everyday," Miller said.

The long-time West Seattle business owner says that visitors appreciate the many original businesses that the Junction offers. And while it can be tough to find an open space, he says consumers also appreciate the free parking that is available.

"If you're a social person, then all of the sudden shopping is fun (in the Junction)," said Miller.

Businesses have also benefited from an increased number of people moving into the neighborhood.

Stores like Northwest Art and Frame are benefiting from the new condos and town homes that seem to be popping up all over the neighborhood.

Still, some local businesses say that things have slowed down. At Liberty Bell printing, owner Michael Hoffman estimated that business for them has decreased by 5 percent to 10 percent compared to one year ago. But the shop has increased its marketing and advertising in response and things are beginning tot pick up.

"It's important for people to realize that by shopping locally you support your community," Hoffman said. "People don't realize how much businesses in West Seattle give back to their community."

At some local restaurants, like the West 5, while there is still a steady flow of customers coming in the door, the costs of running their business have gone up. Between the increased cost of food and additional fuel surcharges, owner Dave Montoure says the West 5's profit margins are lower.

"We've absorbed a lot as a small business and have made the decision not to pass on price increases to our customers," Montoure said. "I think we're all holding our breath to see how much this is going to impact business."

Rose Egge may be reached at 932.0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com