RED CARPET BUSINESSES STAYING IN DOWNTOWN
We’ve survived the RNC to some extant, and though downtown retailers did not see the crowds that were expected to be shopping, The Red Carpet Retail Program managed to find 19 vendors to fill vacant spaces on the skyways and in the street. Five retailers plus a market have stayed on, at least through the New Year. They include: Custom Chocolate and What’s Hot Merchandise in the Alliance Bank Building; Velvet Brooke (toys) in Town Square; The Fun Sisters in the US Bank Building, and The Spectacle Shoppe in the Lowry Building. Additionally, the World Market in the Alliance Bank Building skyway crossroads has 6-7 smaller retailers selling clothing, jewelry and other merchandise from around the world. Stop into these shops and let them know you appreciate their presence in downtown.
Small Business Committee
Goals for 2008
1) Develop a Map /
Matrix of resources for small businesses downtown.
- including a clear summary of "who's
doing what"
- distribute widely as a reference and an aid
2) Help new businesses
connect and network with each other
- networking at meetings
- holding committee meetings at the various
small businesses downtown
- promote each other
3) Start a
"Neighbors Wanted" program for businesses
- develop an area by
area list of what businesses are there, what space is empty, and a list of the
pros/cons of each area
- encourage more
rigorous non-compete environment within downtown
- develop
corresponding list of what neighbors or complementary businesses would be ideal
for that area (i.e. list of desired companion businesses)
- encourage a dine
& stroll environment (lists to hand out for each area?)
- encourage a
concentration of nightlife (ex dancing, clubs, street dining, etc.)
4) Identify broader
strategies and advocate for making downtown more welcoming for small
businesses
- pedestrian-friendly
and welcoming street design
- streetscaping
(trees, plantings, benches)
- parking
- more visibility
- lighting
- attracting big
events
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