“89 million consumers shopped both online and in store, a nearly 40 percent increase from a year ago.” – Nation Retail Federation
The Downtown Allentown Business Alliance (DABA) with over 30 downtown businesses is encouraging shoppers to continue supporting local retailers this holiday season. “We developed a holiday ad campaign targeted to residents and employees in the downtown area,” stated Miriam Huertas, Senior Vice President, Allentown Chamber of Commerce. “The messaging states ‘There’s one thing you’ll never find shopping online for gifts: Holiday Spirit.'” With downtown Allentown bustling with new development and thousands of new employees, the retailers are looking to capitalize on increased foot traffic and increased sales with their unique gifts and a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
The holiday shopping campaign included four retail events: three Pop-Up Holiday Markets during DABA’s monthly First Monday networking events (October, November and December) and the 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Cocktail Trail on Small Business Saturday. “After the success of these events, we continue to promote the retailers, salons, pop-up shops and service businesses who offer a personalized experience that sets them apart from big-box stores and online shopping,” said Huertas.
Using geo-fencing, digital billboards, print advertisements, social media, posters and postcards, the message is to drive people back to shopping local, supporting small businesses and to enjoy the new, revitalized downtown Allentown.
In addition, shoppers can capture all of the merchants on one card by purchasing an AMP gift card – good at over 45 downtown retailers, restaurants and attractions. According to the National Retail Federation, 60% of consumers said they would like to receive gift cards as gifts. So, if you have a particular person on your list that is hard to shop for – give them the gift of downtown Allentown!
PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS INCLUDE:
Allentown Art Museum
Assembly88
Bella Bridesmaids
BeSkintiful
Blow Dry Bar
Cork & Cage
Gallery 840
Good Guy MIA
I. O. Beauty Market
Meraki Beauty
Miller Symphony Hall
Minuteman Press
Nailplay Studio
RE:find
Renaissance Hotel
Revive! Hair Salon
Royal Lioness
Sorrelli
Studio 8 Beautique Lounge
The Baum School of Art
The Perfect Fit
The Phan Shop
Token Allentown
Your Neighborhood Drycleaner
Pop-Up Shops: Artists at Heart, Soaked Winery, The Archive Collection, The Jerky House, Truffle Bar
This holiday marketing campaign was made possible by City of Allentown’s Civic Fund Grant, Upside Allentown and downtown retailers.
About The Downtown Allentown Business Alliance:
Downtown Allentown serves as the commercial and cultural heart of the Lehigh Valley. Our downtown features unique ethnic restaurants, a historical arts district, eclectic businesses – and amazing people – making us a vibrant center of energy and activity.
Here, visitors can discover a wide array of tastes, culture, entertainment and history. Our district consists of the area from 5th Street to 12th Street, and from Walnut to Linden Streets, and is supported by adjoining city neighborhoods and the riverfront.
About The Chamber:
The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide
Information provided to TVL by:
Elizabeth Regan
