Good morning everyone!
By now, many of you have heard that there was a protest last Sunday on Broadway, and we heard that another protest is planned for this coming Sunday. The OBIA does not condone and is in no way affiliated with these protests. We sincerely hope that anyone attending or participating in these protests is respectful of our downtown businesses, their staff and customers, and that the attendees put their own health and safety, and that of their families and our community, first by practicing social distancing and wearing a mask at all times. We have been informed the OPP will be on site.
For those open for business on Sundays, we hope that these protests will not interfere with your ability to operate. Should you have any concerns at the time of the protest, we strongly encourage you to email the Town’s By-Law after-hours bylaw officer at bylaw@orangeville.ca , call the OPP 1-888-310-1122 or 911 for emergency assistance.
Make a Great First Impression – Why it’s Important to Decorate your Storefront in a Shutdown
Pia's On Broadway
Blinks & Brows Boutique
The Holiday Window Decorating Contest back in November and December showed us that we have some brilliant, creative, & incredibly talented window decorators in this amazing community! We want to keep this momentum going throughout the spring and summer months, even now - especially now - when people can’t just walk through your front door.
After all, what is a store front if not a billboard for what’s inside? The front of your business is often the first impression a customer has of your business – don’t miss the opportunity to make it a great one!
On a regular day, your windows and façade should tell your customers who you are and what to expect inside. But in a shutdown, your storefront needs to work over-time to communicate with your customers when walking-in isn’t possible. Think, “is it obvious to my customers whether or not I am open in some capacity right now?” Display your website, social media accounts, phone number, hours for take-out and curb-side pick up – let them know you are still here!
Once you have the essential information covered, it’s time to show them your personality! In addition to your business logo, blade sign and other signage, you should incorporate elements that will grab the attention of passers-by and make your business a must-see stop along the way. Put care and thought into your product displays, the colours you use, the seasonal decorations, overall theme, window lettering, planter boxes and more, and your customers will see that you care about providing not just products and services, but a great overall experience too!
Some of you have been blessed with beautiful large windows for displays, but even those of you with only a single door to work with can make a difference to the spirit of Downtown as a whole! Why not paint your front door a bright and bold colour (please check with the property owner or landlord first! ). If painting isn’t allowed, how about a colourful decal (that can be removed later)? Consider placing a spring planter on your door-step or making a poster with an inspirational quote.
We realize that some products are difficult to source right now, but there are some easy and affordable ways to work around this such as using items you already have from previous years, making your own decorations out of paper, glue, and whatever else you have on hand, ordering online, curb-side pick up from a local craft or art supply store, or visiting a garden centre.
We hope you will have some fun and make a splash with your storefront for spring! We promise that your customers will appreciate the effort, and you may even smile a little in the process! It’s fun, it’s rewarding – and your business neighbours will love you for it too!
Here are a few more ideas to get you started…
Pottery Parties Studies Receives COVID-19 Community Recognition Award – Our Good News Story
Congrats to the owner of Pottery Parties Studio, recognized by the Town of Orangeville for her outstanding efforts within the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tanya Frew is the owner/operator of the Pottery Parties in the Hills located within the Mill Street Mall. In April of 2020 when the COVID pandemic struck, Ms. Frew altered her business model to accommodate her customers by offering take-home ceramic painting kits. Ms. Frew provided all the socially distanced drop-offs and pick-ups of the kits for months. The customers and nominators of the Pottery Parties submission say that Tanya kept them sane and busy with pottery projects and they are very thankful.”
Read the full story here!
UPCOMING WEBINAR: Social Media Marketing by Digital Main Street
Wednesday April 21st
2-3pm
Whether you’re new to creating posts for Facebook and Instagram or have been doing it for years and want some new ideas, this webinar will teach you how to:
-create and execute a social media plan
-develop strategies to get traffic to your offline and online business
-use social media to grow your ecommerce sales
-create great content that brings in more customers
A Q & A session with a panel of experts will follow the presentation.
Register today!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/social-media-marketing-tickets-148662661021
Theatre Orangeville – New Show Opens Tonight for a Limited Time!
Shut Down got you down?
Get your tickets now for the World Premiere of "The Rules of Playing Risk" & make it a great night in!
Grab a comfy seat on the couch, maybe a glass of wine and some delicious local take-out and stream the show directly to your television!
Visit www.theatreorangeville.ca or call 519-942-3243 for tickets!
Stay Home. Watch Plays. Support your local theatre!
Have a great weekend!