It has “fallen” upon us: the leaves are changing, harvest scents fill our homes, fall jackets are brought out… the beauty of fall is among us. Fall is my personal favorite time of year because there is so much warmth and comfort that comes with the season. Central PA has a natural beauty of Fall in itself: beautiful mountains, springs and leaves are everywhere you look. To our benefit, we don’t have to travel anywhere to capture this beauty, as it rests right in our backyard. Let’s take the beauty of fall a step further and flourish our town for the season.
Once again, the CRC Promotion Committee will be dressing the downtown with cornstalks on Saturday, September 25th, 2010. The CRC is partnering with the Boy Scout Troops to help decorate the downtown lamp posts and street signs. We are welcoming any other volunteers to help decorate with us, too. In addition to decorating the downtown streetscape, the CRC is offering downtown businesses cornstalks to decorate their storefronts, too. A special thanks to Zalno’s Jeweler’s for donating the cornstalks to the CRC, and to Agway who donated the twine to hold the cornstalks in place. Your generosity has made it possible for Clearfield to become hospitable and inviting for Fall.
Here are some other tips to make establishments seasonally festive:Â
Outside lighting: It starts to get dark earlier and earlier in the evenings, so make sure any light timers for signs and windows are adjusted.Â
Storefront windows, steps and front doors: Let it create value. Showcase your merchandise in your windows with a touch of fall. Add pumpkins, leaves and cornstalks to your entryway, but be careful not to overdo it. Too many items may make your business appear “busy” and confused. Use your entryway to send a clear message to your customers, while at the same time make them feel very comfortable about entering your business.
Sidewalks: Grab your broom and gather those leaves to keep your sidewalks tidy and welcoming for pedestrians. Be sure to sweep the leaves into a bag and not onto the street. Warm up with hot chocolate when you’re finished.
Evening Hours, Weekend Hours: The seasons change, as does the routine of customers. The weather is getting cooler, and summer night-life is calming. Evening and weekend retail sales statistically hit their max during the months of September through December. Seasonal hours should be adjusted to better suit your target customers. The most popular retail shopping hours are Sunday from 12 p.m.-6 p.m., then Saturday afternoons. Thursday’s third. The worst retail shopping hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The most popular internet shopping hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Take a look at the hours offered to your customers, and make adjustments if appropriate.
Sandwich Boards, how to make them better: These are a fantastic (and free) way to advertise daily specials; however, be sure to keep your board updated, enticing and neat. This may be a first impression of your business to your customers, so make sure it is a good representation. Keep fonts simple, Â make sure they are readable to pedestrians, and make it fun! Create your own personality. Be sure to bring in your board during closed hours and adjust after a rainy or windy day.
If you would like to receive more tips like these, please contact the CRC office to become a partner. Shopping Hours and Statistics provided by PA Downtown Center: www.padowntown.org.
