If you’re from Clearfield, this means more than just basketball. March Madness means steep sales and flocks of people in Downtown Clearfield for three days to purchase anything from guns, fishing rods and camouflage. This year, March Madness is March 25, 26 and 27. During these three days, more money is pumped into our local economy than any other time of the year. In addition, this is second largest event of the year that brings people into Downtown Clearfield, next to the fair parade, as up to 90 percent of these people are from out of town.
This year holds many great opportunities for businesses in Clearfield. In addition to the sales at Grice Gun Shop, Bob’s Army & Navy and Jim’s Sports Center, Clearfield is hosting a Central PA Outdoor & Sports Show that is expected to pull visitors from more than 12 counties in the central PA region. Directional signage will link the downtown to the driving park, and back into downtown. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be in town hosting a basketball charity event this weekend, and the CRC will be hosting its first ever “Deer” Lovely Ladies Tour which is a downtown food and wine tour that offers a cultured experience to explore the uniqueness within the retail shops and restaurants of downtown. The goal of this event in conjunction with the other events is to attract both men and women into Clearfield, hoping to create a weekend getaway generating more overnight stays.
As you see, this particular weekend is already very marketable and self-sustaining, and we want to show off our town at its best. Visitors love the hustle and bustle in small towns; it means things are happening; excitement; it’s the place to be! Here are some simple tips and tidbits on how you can do your part to contribute to a positive visitor experience as well:
- Offer special “March Madness” hours, such as open earlier for the morning shoppers, but also open later for the evening shoppers. It is very important to stay open Sunday, too.
- Book a local band to entertain at your pub or coffee house.
- Make sure your sandwich board is outside and up-to-date. Balloons and “open” flags work great, too.
- Make use of the sidewalk. Place some of your products outside and have a sidewalk sale. If the weather is nice, place bistro tables and chairs outside so your customers can relax.
- Remember hospitality. Communicate with other downtown merchants so you complement one another, and when a customer is done with your store, recommend them to another store nearby.
- Freshen up your storefront windows: make sure they are clean, update your display case, and make sure your hours are visible. Flowers and plants also go a long way in freshening up the appearance of your storefront.
- Prop your door open.
- Offer specials, discounts or a small free gift just for walking in the door. It costs seven times more in advertising dollars to sell a new customer versus a loyal customer. Free gifts, big or small, add to customer experience whether they purchased that day or not.
- Make sure your store smells appealing: candles, air fresheners and plug-ins can have a big impact.
- Is there any background noise at your store? Radio? TV? Music? All add to the overall experience.
- Properly staff as there may be a higher influx of customers in your store at one time.
- Most importantly, make sure hunters and fishers know they are welcome.
There are countless opportunities, but it’s all on the effort put into it. Customers on this weekend are just like fish in the river…they need stimulated. “Reel” them in! A great experience can have lasting year-long effects to our town for these tourists and neighbors, as it will have a trickle effect with other events that Clearfield offers all year. It takes the town for the town to be successful, and with everyone working together, we all are winners at the end of the day.