I was having a conversation with one of my team members earlier this week about how summer is a challenging time for downtown businesses, and it occurred to me that most people probably don’t know that, nor understand why. Since I know most of you who read this newsletter are folks who are genuinely interested in seeing downtown Marion, or your own hometown, thrive and grow, I thought I’d offer some
perspective.
Having operated some Main Street businesses, as well as being close to our tenants who are operating them, I have personally observed that summer can be challenging. For boutiques and other retailers, “J months”, January, June, and July, are typically the lowest of the year. January is obvious…the holiday shopping hangover has people rebuilding their savings versus seeking lots of new things. As far as the lull in June and July, that is attributed to consumers prioritizing travel spending. Hometown restaurants and entertainment options often are challenged for many of the same reasons…people are away from home on vacations, competing spending for sports and activities, and sometimes people simply don’t feel like going out when its 100 degrees outside (like this week).
I don’t want it to seem like I am trying to guilt-trip anyone. I enjoy traveling and new experiences as much as the next guy. First and foremost, this is to raise awareness. Second, I would ask that you intentionally prioritize supporting downtown businesses when and where you can! Here are some ideas:
Need a birthday, anniversary, or housewarming gift? How about a unique gift from a downtown boutique?
Meeting a friend or colleague for lunch? How about a local restaurant instead of a chain?
Celebrating a milestone? What if you created a local night out experience locally instead of heading out of town?
Have friends or relatives staying in Marion from out of town? How about a comfy and well-appointed Airbnb for about the price of a hotel room?
Many businesses are boosting various programming and events this summer to give you even more reasons to spend your days, evenings, weekends, and dollars downtown! MaxAiir open bounce, LuLu’s Play Days & Board Game Days, Passenger & Rail Co. Live Music every Friday and Saturday, Thursday Delights at Elena Renee, Third Thursday and Second Saturday festivities, just to name a few! Be sure to follow the various Facebook pages to stay in the loop!
Time to recharge and make memories! Make it a staycation or advise some friends or family on a vacation in downtown Marion! Rest and reset with a cozy Airbnb free from the pressures of everyday life. Get the best rest of your life and give yourself permission to unwind in our charming downtown. Our king beds are life-changing, and so is this vacation you’re about to book 💛
Dan & Amy Smith operate a Bed & Breakfast in McConnellsville, Ohio called the Inns at 8th &Main. I met them on an exploration trip to McConnellsville when I stopped at their front door at the suggestion of another business owner. Amy was so gracious, kind, and accommodating; we became instant friends, and ended up talking for hours about small towns, marketing, and hospitality. After staying in touch, Dan & Amy paid a visit to Marion to stay in the downtown Airbnbs, and after comparing notes, they decided to record a podcast!
You will love hearing Dan & Amy’s story about this unintended venture that has become their passion, and I guarantee you will want to pay them a visit after listening!
Check out the podcast here: Apple podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
Click on the image below for the direct link to YouTube!
This week I gave a tour to some friends from Columbus…a real estate developer plus a group who owns food and beverage concepts. After touring a couple of places, one of them turned to me and said, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but these places are way nicer than I expected!” Then after visiting some of the local downtown food, drink, and entertainment spots, another said to me, “If I lived in Marion, I’d never have to leave town!”. What a perspective from some well-traveled folks from a bigger city!
I want you to know my consistent reminders about supporting downtown businesses are out of my passion for seeing these hardworking entrepreneurs succeed. Few people see the hard work from the front row like I do, nor do many people recognize the significance of having locally owned, one of a kind small businesses in our community as a driver of local prosperity, quality of life, and attraction and retention of talent in Marion. Not to sound dramatic, but momentum is hard to build and easy to lose. Summer can cause a significant loss of momentum and is a challenging time for these businesses. We have to keep promoting these friends and neighbors of ours who are courageously making our community a better place. I don’t think you realize how much it means for you to walk through their door and show your support with your dollars.
Summer can be a tighter time for all of us. There are competing demands for discretionary dollars. There is uncertainty in the market right now. But whenever you can, I encourage you to invest in a better future for Marion, Ohio, by choosing to eat, shop, and play in our downtown. Bring your friends and family along as well, talk about your positive experiences on social media, and be proud of our hometown. It is getting better every day as we all work together!
See you downtown!
Luke Henry Col 3:23
