8:00-8:45AM

The pandemic, the growth of e-commerce, the expansion of remote work, and other shifts have kick-started a transformation in the way retail operates across the world. Adjusted strategies will be crucial for business survival long-term, and local development organizations, like Main Streets, can play a critical role in supporting businesses through this transition.

Placemaking, interactivity, and other experientially driven retail models will be crucial in attracting customers to Main Streets in the future. To compete with digital spaces, businesses and commercial districts alike need to give customers reasons to enter physical spaces and reasons to linger – including fostering multi-use downtown districts, improving the outdoor experience, and completely reimagining public spaces. At the same time, they need to ensure these spaces are welcoming to everyone by considering accessibility, cultural factors, language, and other measures of inclusivity.

Join MDC for this webinar featuring Executive Director of Augusta Downtown Alliance, Michael Hall, and owner of the Table Bar (Gardiner), Billy Rosser, as we discuss the experiential business model as an approach for downtown organizations and businesses to promote and develop.