Mix the Metuchen Savings Bank and the chamber of commerce, serve at the Forum Theatre Cultural Arts Center, and you have a recipe for success Metuchen-style.
More than 70 people were on hand to hear ways to beef up sales during a sluggish economy.
Tom Mezzetti, owner of the restaurant Main St. Trattoria, said he already partners with the Forum to promote a dinner-and-ashow program for customers, but said the economic forum was still useful.
“Information is key,” Mezzetti said. “It’s having a positive attitude and focusing on what’s there.”
The Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce collaborated with the bank to present “Metuchen Cares: An Economic Forum” for local businesses on July 16. It was the second event co-sponsored by the bank and chamber designed to help smaller, local businesses grapple with the currently troubled economy.
“The buying decision begins at the curb,” said one of the event’s speakers, Joseph Getz. “It doesn’t cost very much money to make a first impression. Paint the curb, power wash gum off (the sidewalk), put out plants and use the American flag — it’s got great colors and is a great decorating tool.”
Featured speaker Joseph Getz is the founder of the JGSC consulting group and has previously designed marketing campaigns, advertising programs and strategic business plans for retailers, real estate developers and consumer product companies. He talked about using “blade signs,” which are small banners that draw foot traffic from one end of the street to another.
“Foot traffic is the lifeblood of retail,” he said.
A shopping mall tends to have 3,500 people per day, and a downtown has 60 people. But it has far more car traffic. There are 1,500 cars a day on Amboy Avenue. The trick is to get some of those drivers to stop and spend their money downtown.
Getz also gave pointers on customer service, how to bundle products, which types of sales help draw customers and generate business, ways to advertise, and how to use the Internet and Web pages to develop sales.
“Metuchen Savings is pleased to partner with the chamber to bring this timely program to members of our business community,” Lorraine Mulligan, vice president of business development at Metuchen Savings, said in a press release about the event. “Our bank recognizes the value of a traditional downtown.”
“The first event was held at a local restaurant, but when the Forum reopened recently, it moved to the theater because the first drew such a big crowd,” said David Glasofer, president of the chamber and owner of Image Up Photography on Main Street in Metuchen. “My hope for what can come out of this is that retailers in town come together to increase traffic in town. That’s [Getz’s] focus: working together. He has some positive information to help business owners in the economic downturn.”
Peter Loewy, owner of the Forum, said that when he was approached by the chamber to hold Thursday’s event, he was delighted to showcase the place after being shuttered for several seasons.
“This is a great place to host a business presentation,” Loewy said.