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Serving Downtown Office Workers

Most downtown employees commute to work. Given the non-local nature of these commuters, downtowns are faced with the challenge of keeping its employees downtown after working hours, while also encouraging them to spend more money during the day. In general, the more time spent by workers in and around their offices, the more likely they are to make purchases at downtown establishments. Recognizing these challenges, a recent study conducted by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) analyzed how the habits of office workers have changed between 1987 and 2003. The study examined changing consumer preferences among office workers, along with the impact of retail availability on employee shopping habits. The summary of these findings can be found in this issue.

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Green Consumers – A Growing Market for Many Local Businessess

Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about the environment. Studies have shown that the percentage of Americans who worry about the environment “a great deal” or “a fair amount” has increased from 62% to 77% between 2004 and 2006. This trend has led to more independent businesses on Main Street marketing to green consumers. Local businesses focusing on green products have emerged as a growing business sector. Likewise, more traditional businesses such as grocery, hardware/building materials and appliance/electronic stores are increasing their lines of green products as they realize their profitability. For many businesses, going green isn’t necessarily about saving the environment. Rather it’s about saving the business. Accordingly, the information that follows is intended to help local businesses understand and better serve the green consumer.

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How Local Businesses Can Serve Trail Users

Multi-use trails provide both community-wide and business specific economic development opportunities. Trails increase transportation linkages, expand and conserve greenways, and can provide a much-needed “shot in the arm” for downtown businesses. Some examples or trail development bolstering economic development are discussed in this article.

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Urban Tourism

The demand for travel to cities has greatly increased over the last few decades. While many travel for business or convention purposes, others are traveling on leisure time to learn about other cultures, to develop their specific interests, and to seek entertainment. But what exactly are the specific elements of the urban tourism product that determine the attractiveness of a city for visitors? This issue examins the key elements that can enhance the visitor-friendliness in urban areas.

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What Drives Consumer Behavior

Purchasing habits fluctuate over time with every generation, but because of increased access to new technology and uncertainty due to world events and insecure futures, the consumer trends of generations have changed. In order for businesses to appeal to these consumers, it is important to understand what these buying habits are, how they have changed, and what techniques can be utilized to expand sales among five consumer segments. A recent article from American Demographics Advertising Age highlights these changing behaviors.

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The Importance of Government Facilities in Downtowns – Full Report

This paper was prepared for Jefferson County by Ryan Zigelbauer, Bill Ryan and Steve Grabow. It includes a brief assessment about the importance of a governmental presence in a community’s downtown. The study also features a comparison of the business mix between two types of comparablysized communities, those with county offices downtown and those without. The objective of this analysis is to determine if communities with a county seat have a more diverse mix and greater number of businesses in their downtowns than those which are not county seats.

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The Importance of Government Facilities in Downtowns

Government offices have traditionally been built in the center of cities and towns. It made sense to build city or county offices in a location that was easy to travel to, near homes of the employees, and near supporting and complementing retail and services. However, given the change in shopping habits, dependence on the automobile, increased dependence on computers and the internet, and the rising cost of land in the city center, some argue that there are fewer reasons to keep government offices downtown. This article explores the benefits of maintaining government offices in their downtown location.

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Retail Demand and Supply Analysis: New Software to Identify Market Opportunities

This article summarizes a new method for identifying market opportunities in specific retail categories. A detailed study of market demand and supply (in square feet) is necessary for each store category to determine market potential. Market opportunities can be identified where demand exceeds supply. After considering other more qualitative market factors including how and where local residents shop, conclusions can be drawn regarding potential business expansion or recruitment efforts.

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Downtown and the Youth Market

The market for children and young adults is often overlooked by downtown merchants who often focus on young professionals and empty-nesters. However, the purchasing power of children is significant and should not
be overlooked. Children are responsible for a significant number of purchases and have a strong influence over the way their parents make spending decisions. Many characteristics of downtowns can attract children
and their spending power. This articles provides data on the size of this market, the benefits of capturing the children’s market, examples of towns that have been successful in bringing children downtown, and suggestion
for making downtown attractive to children.

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Serving Ethnic Markets

As the populations of minority groups in the U.S. rise, retailers have begun to take notice. These fast-growing segments of the population can open significant new markets for both national chains and small businesses alike. Many businesses must alter their products and marketing strategies to satisfy and attract minority customers. Sometimes this can be as easy as offering the product or service in another language, but often, it requires much more fundamental changes. Emerging ethnic neighborhoods offer great occations for businesses looking to expand into the ethnic market and be close to other businesses serving the same customer base, and many cities have begun to take actions to help ethnic businesses start or remain in business.

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