Well — who doesn't like a bingo? Or a market? Or a great deal? Or Prizes?
The Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with local business are hoping this week's Sidewalk Sale and Market will offer something most local residents will like. Starting at 5 pm and running late to 8 pm, the concept is to highlight the attractions — and advantages — of community shopping. It's also a concept suggested by the community in a recent survey conducted by the Chamber.
“Our downtown survey results reflected a very strong interest in a more active downtown and with later hours; you spoke, we’re listening," says Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce President Gail Broadbent-Ludwig.
This Thursday's event — which already has a buy-in from more than a dozen local businesses — offers an opportunity for table-front market stalls in the Value Drug Mart and Twintel parking lots or store-front sidewalk sales along Main Street.
The hope is to present a very cozy, small-town feel that reminds residents about the diverse businesses and deals offered in their community.
"With internet shopping and easy access to larger shopping markets, local businesses really need to engage with their locals to showcase the variety of items they do carry and how competitively priced they are. Too often our consumers just assume we can't compete," said Broabent who runs her own accounting firm in Lac La Biche, "and haven't given our local merchants the opportunity to prove it."
The market and sidewalk event this Thursday is the first of three in a series that will take place throughout the summer. The Chamber chose to host the events to provide local businesses with a chance to come together, share the stage and showcase the importance of the local economy.
"These markets are to differentiate ourselves from the City vendors. Local merchants know our customers better. We know how to develop relationships, make them feel welcome, and share stories of family and life," said Broadbent Ludwig. "We see each other on the sports stands, celebrate special events together — and even mourn together. These markets gve these entrepreneurs a chance to serve your household & business needs too."
BINGO prizes to win
An added incentive beyond the wealth of local business opportunity for local shoppers is the chance to win prizes and gift certificates from local merchants. A bingo card will be available at Lac La Biche Sporting Goods and at the Laughing Cow starting on Wednesday for residents to collect business stamps from merchants taking part in Thursday night's event.
Get a card, visit a store, get a stamp, and enter to win, says Broadbent-Ludwig.
"Each merchant is donating a minimum $25 dollar gift which will make up the prize packages just for stopping in, saying Hi, and seeing what our local merchants carry," she said, adding that other offers will be available as well. "Many will have special discounts on during the market as well."
Business can join
Although the deadline for businesses to join the market and sidewalk promotion was last Friday, Chamber officials say they can still accept more. There is a charge of $75 for non-Chamber members to join the Bingo card promotion and Chamber members can register for free.
For more details go to the Chamber's Website.
The next Market and Sidewalk Sale events are slated for August 23 and Sept. 27.
The promotion is one of several projects being undertaken by the Chamber in the coming months.
"In September we will have our Annual General Meeting, then a new Bold Center event in October with HuntMania and Chamber Market Combo. Vendors from across the Province will be sharing the fieldhouses with local vendors just in time for Hunting Season," said Broadbent-Ludwig. "Shortly after we will have our Small Business Week Events and complete the week with our Evening of Excellence Awards Night. Stay tuned for more details."
