Shop local programs are really hot right now and it’s a great way to bring prosperity to your community. However, even though your intentions are good, there are a lot of stumbling blocks you can face along the way. These obstacles can make your shop local program less successful than it has the potential of being. If you have any of these roadblocks in your way, you need to remove them before they affect the success of your program and its reputation.
Spread Out Businesses
Creating a geographically tight-knit business community is not within your abilities. You ether have a strong Main Street location or you don’t. However, there are things you can do to help grow a strong business community regardless of where the businesses are located. Creating a map of your local businesses (based on category) for community members and tourists will help customers find what they’re looking for easily. If you’re part of a large community or economic development operation you can also help attract businesses to open storefronts.
Parking and Construction
If you have a nice Main Street you are in luck assuming the parking situation does not make it difficult to attract customers to the downtown area. Limited parking spaces for the amount of people visiting, expensive meters or lots, or small confusing streets with limited parking are hindrances to people enjoying your downtown. Work with your city or town to see if there are creative incentives you can offer. Some cities offer free parking for two hours during the weekends, for instance.
Construction is one of the largest deterrents to shopping and going out. Most people won’t trouble themselves to visit the area if they know of road closures and impasses. Here you must keep the public updated on best routes and access points. You can do this easily through your website. It should be updated in as near to real time as possible.
Early Closures
As a shop local organizer you can’t control the hours your local businesses are open. You can, however, make sure they are communicated clearly to visitors and others eager to patronize them. If possible, try to have at least one night a month (maybe an Art Walk?) that would encourage local merchants to stay open late. They will never be able to reach certain customers with limited schedules if they don’t.
In order for your shop local program to be successful, you need to help attract customers to these businesses. This means removing roadblocks and helping them with marketing suggesstions. Your campaign depends on them as well as they depend on you.
