Sometimes even a great idea needs a bit of polishing. And we think the Main Street Marketplace was a great idea, but so far it hasn’t worked all that well.

A lack of business has crippled the marketplace and has left organizers scratching their heads to figure out how to solve the issue.

Earlier this month, all of the stakeholders in the marketplace met to discuss the building’s future.

After a bit of debate the group has decided to temporarily close the business for January and February to give some time to regroup and refocus the purpose and intent of the marketplace.

Having such a review and discussion is needed in this case. The possibilities for the marketplace are unbelievable, but perhaps when the building opened, a bit more planning and focus was needed.

The involved parties are scheduled to meet again on Jan. 8 to brainstorm more ways to improve the business.

At present, the City of Natchez is paying $1,500 in rent each month to the building’s owner, St. Mary Basilica. Unfortunately the rent received from vendors covers only about 10 percent of that cost, according to marketplace volunteer Regina Charboneau.

A remedy to that expense must be found soon.

Some folks will want the city to simply throw up their hands and give up on the facility. But we think a more positive solution can be found. The brainstorming session is a great place to start.

An even better way to ensure the marketplace’s success would be for residents to actually buy something there occasionally.

It’s amazing what a little consumer effort can do for the marketplace – and other area businesses, too.