Fort Wayne Adjusted Construction Near Local Store

The city modified traffic plans after construction threatened the shop's peak holiday sales season.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a metal construction barricade on a paved street corner, representing urban infrastructure policy adjustments. — Fort Wayne officials adjusted construction schedules and removed restrictive alley signage to improve shopper access to a local retailer during the holiday season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Fort Wayne officials altered construction schedules and removed restrictive alley signage near Stoner's Funstore on Harrison Street. The adjustments follow concerns that road work disrupted customer access during the business's busiest period of the year.

Why it matters

The weeks before Halloween generate over 60% of annual sales for the long-standing retailer. Ensuring accessibility during this critical window is essential for the shop's continued viability after 75 years of operation.

Stoner's Funstore derives more than 60% of its total annual revenue from the period leading up to Halloween. The business has maintained its current location on Harrison Street for over 75 years.

The players

Stoner's Funstore

This local retailer has operated on Harrison Street in Fort Wayne for over 75 years.

City of Fort Wayne

The local municipal government is managing the construction project on Main and Harrison streets.

The details

City crews have committed to reopening the intersection of Main and Harrison streets during non-working hours to assist shoppers. Additionally, officials removed One-Way and Do Not Enter signs from the alley behind the store to improve vehicle flow.

Thursday: Store staff learned of the construction project.
Tuesday morning: Stoner's Funstore released a statement regarding construction impact.
Nov. 5: Construction work is scheduled to finish.

Market Landscape

Small businesses often face significant challenges when infrastructure projects coincide with peak revenue periods. This situation follows a pattern set by the retail industry's reliance on peak holiday seasonal traffic.

Customers can now reach Stoner's Funstore more easily as the city reopens the nearby intersection during non-work hours. These changes should reduce congestion for shoppers visiting the Harrison Street area through the start of November.

The takeaway

Maintaining clear access routes is vital for small businesses during high-volume holiday shopping windows. Retailers facing similar disruptions should document impact promptly to coordinate mitigation efforts with municipal authorities.