Best Retail Practices Workshop Returns to Somerville

On February 22, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

Mayor
Joseph A. Curtatone and Executive Director of the Office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Monica Lamboy announce the
return of the City's Best Retail Practices program, designed to assist
small business and restaurant owners, and to provide storefront
improvement support by providing professional advice and grant money in
the areas of store and restaurant design, window and merchandise
displays, signage, and cost-effective marketing tips. The three-part
program will begin on Thursday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00
p.m. at Somerville City Hall, and will include visual presentations by
the City and GraberMarketing.

Twelve of the participating
businesses will be given the chance to apply for phases two and three
of the program, which include a free, in-store consultation with
improvement recommendation reports, as well as a grant of up to $2,000
for the twelve selected businesses to help implement those
improvements.

"This program was a great success last year, and
we're extremely excited to continue with Best Retail Practices, and the
tremendous opportunities it offers to our local businesses," Mayor
Curtatone said. "Especially in this economic climate, it's important
that we support our business base, and programs like Best Retail
Practices not only assist those businesses, but help increase our tax
base as well as preserve the character and unique assets of our
community."

The program is a partnership between the City of
Somerville and GraberMarketing, with presentations offered by Christine
Moynihan, of GraberMarketing. Ms. Moynihan co-founded the program in
2002, and has conducted it in Cambridge, Lowell and Lawrence, and in
Nashua, NH, providing guidance and assistance to over 200 urban
retailers.

While all are invited, seating is limited and
registration is recommended. Attendance at the workshop by a principal
of the business is a pre-requisite for the $2,000 grants. For more
information or to register for the Best Retail Practices workshop,
please contact Economic Development Specialist David Guzman at
617-625-6600 ext 2546.