By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Nov. 16, 2013
There would be more visitors walking into downtown stores if there was a wider selection of retailers and dining, events, and more convenient shopping times, says a latest district survey.
White Forest Consulting conducted a survey this summer, polling 700 people on their reasons to visit downtown Squamish.
The research, the consultants hope, will help guide prospective business investors and retail merchants to fine tune their products to downtown Squamish.
Mo Zhang of White Forest Consulting said their research found out that residents are looking for a wider selection of retailers, more convenient shopping, and more choices of dining in downtown Squamish.
Regional residents interviewed by the survey said they don’t have time to visit downtown, and that their shopping and dining needs are met elsewhere in Squamish.
Regional residents, the survey founds, were also hindered by ‘lack of knowledge’ about the town and a compelling reason to visit its downtown.
Local residents, Zhang said, leave the town for a wider variety of sports goods, specific recreational goods, furniture, appliances, etc.
“Selection, pricing, and quality offered by shops elsewhere is the reason why majority of them spend their money outside,” Zhang said.
He said regional residents and visitors are looking for an ‘anchor event’ to give them a reason to visit downtown.
Half of those interviewed said Squamish Farmer’s Market was one reason why they came to visit downtown Squamish.
The Ledge Café on Cleveland Ave, started by the Rock Church, is taking the initiative to bring more local and regional visitors to town.
In the last one year, the café has hosted several events, from music concerts to art exhibitions.
From Nov. 9, the café is also offering internet access and a workstation space to anyone who needs it.
“We need more events, façade improvements, and tax incentives in downtown,” he said.
“If more people visit and speak highly of downtown, then more visitors will come downtown,” said Glenn Davies, the pastor for the church.
A night market, a movie in the park, Squamish Idol, and Summer Jam were organized to showcase downtown Squamish by the district.
Christine Campbell, the executive director of Squamish BIA, said her sense is that events in downtown do help local merchants.
“The more people that come to downtown, the more it helps business,” she said.
Dave says
If people come to just one business downtown that serves their needs , they will come to others but only if they do indeed serve their needs. There are good businesses that I frequent and there are others that I don’t…simple. You cannot force the diversity. It will happen and be successful if the right businesses set up shop and run them well. “Be back in half an hour going on an hour”, just don’t cut it …and so is being rude to browsers who don’t buy immediately! There are shops which have been there for years because they are good, period. Oh and, sorry, there are other great businesses that I use in other parts of the valley too…that’s life in the real world.
Glenn Davies says
One of the things that I believe I had mentioned a few times to Gagan when we talked about this article was that, at least from our perspective at The Ledge Cafe, this past summer proved that the downtown centre is already showing great signs of growth. Local as well as visitor traffic and the resulting business was outstanding. In fact, I would say that from the visitors we spoke with they all perceived downtown Squamish as a go to place for good coffee, food, the market and shopping. I’ve only been here for 5 years but it seems to me that it is those who have been here much longer who maybe haven’t yet discovered all the changes and improvements going on here. As the old game show host used to say, “Come on down!”
Dave says
Solutions:
Do your research before you plan a business, open on time, close later, be courteous to customers, don’t park in front of your own business or allow your employees to do so (round the back is better), and don’t put signs on the door saying back in ten minutes etc. Then people might come to you!
I can name and shop at these kinds of places, and there are many.
MichaelL65 says
It may help when the long promised, yet to be seen Ocean Frond development starts showing some sign of actual development. I agree with Dave. When I was growing up in the ’70’s and early ’80’s in Squamish, businesses were open late Thursday and Friday nights. Businesses actually participated in lcal events such as Loggers Sports by having employees dress up and storefront windows decorated and painted. I visited Squamish the week of Loggers Sports this past summer and would not have known anything was happening. A huge loss to the DT is the pavilion structure that was torn down a few years ago. (Yes, it needed to go, but the replacement O’siem Pavilion is a joke and woefully inadequate as a stage for performing artists and spectators.) DT businesses cannot, nor should they try to compete with the big box stores. Offer unique products and services that no one else does, and people will come. Do NOT expect to be an overnight success – not going to happen. Your customers will determine succes or failure, if, as a business owner your business fails to cater to your clientele, for example, offering later opening hours since many people work in Vancouver or Whistler and cannot shop during the 10-5 business hours.