Online readers had much to say about a reporter's account of a Christmas shopping excursion on Broad Street, and how business owners said they were faring (“Where the Tinsel Ends,” News & Features, Dec. 15). Here are excerpts:

This article doesn't capture any of the hard work that retailers on Broad Street have been putting into our neighborhood. We certainly don't need bad press to motivate us to make Broad Street great again. — Katie Ukrop, Dec. 16, 5:17 p.m.

I'm disappointed to not read about the many other businesses on Broad Street that could have been included that do indeed offer a variety of shopping.

Broad Street is now home to the cool new Steady Sounds record store and the nonprofit thrift shop Books, Bikes and Beyond. Pibby's Bike shop is due to open on Broad in January, and will join other existing stores such as Richmond Camera, Nick's Market, Beads & Rocks, and the legendary Waller & Co. Jewelers.

Of course, if you're looking for unique shopping, downtown's numerous galleries can't be overlooked. And you can grab the gift that everyone loves — gift certificates — at one of these shops or at one of the top-rated restaurants on Broad, including: Belvidere on Broad, Bistro 27, Comfort, Lift Coffee Shop, Popkin's Tavern and Tarrant's Cafe.

Hmm, looks like I haven't even gotten off Broad Street. — Christina Newton, Dec. 16, 3:36 p.m.