We have the opportunity to book 'Summer Sounds' pyramids that feature lights, artwork and original music from local Hamilton artists for temporary installations in public realm spaces in Waterdown Village.
The eye-catching sound stations are available to Hamilton BIAs through an initiative with the City and Cobalt Connects. We're looking to use the units to drive foot traffic to the BIA in conjunction with other fun mini events.
Some retail members have expressed interest in testing a 'Shop Late' event to help create buzz and introduce new shoppers to your businesses.
Several BIAs run similar programs (some even monthly throughout the summer )- think of Sidewalk Sounds, Art Crawl, Midnight Madness, etc.
Here in Waterdown Village, there is a Made by Hand for You Market being organized by a collective of Main St. S. businesses scheduled for Saturday, September 11.
One thought was to book the sound stations for the weekend of September 11, promoting a Shop Late night on the Thursday or Friday, evening; perhaps a restaurant-focused promotion on the other evening; and the Made by Hand for You Market as well as the Waterdown Farmers' Market on the Saturday for a full weekend of strolling, listening, shopping, eating and enjoying. BIA members from other categories could potentially host open houses or other engaging programs on the Shop Late night.
The BIA would promote events and the sound stations through a direct mail flyer and digital advertising.
To make a 'Shop Late Night' viable/successful, we would need a sufficient number of shops and businesses to commit to staying open for the full duration of the advertised hours. And, we'll need to move fast to execute in late summer this year.
The BIA marketing committee meets soon to discuss ideas for the back half of 2021. We need your feedback to help guide plans.
