Hey there, Downtown Shreveport business owners and managers! Spring is just around the corner, bringing warmer weather, more visitors, and plenty of exciting events. Now is the perfect time to freshen up your space, plan ahead, and take advantage of the energy that comes with the season. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is here to help, so here are a few things to consider as we head into spring.
Refresh Your Storefront & Outdoor Spaces
First impressions matter, and as foot traffic increases, your curb appeal plays a big role in attracting customers. Now’s the time to:
- Brighten up your window displays with spring colors and fresh products.
- Clean and refresh your outdoor seating areas or sidewalk signage.
- Add some seasonal touches—flowers, décor, or even an eye-catching new welcome sign.
- Consider a minor facelift—fresh paint, new awnings, or updated lighting can make a big difference. Remember, Shreveport DDA has Lighting Grants for Downtown Shreveport Business.
- If your business has outdoor seating, ensure furniture is in good condition and inviting for customers eager to enjoy the nice weather.
Plan for Spring Promotions & Events
Spring in downtown means a packed event calendar, and it’s a great opportunity for your business to capitalize on the excitement. Consider:
- Running special promotions during event days like the DDA Artwalks or the Tour of Homes (think happy hour deals, giveaways, or exclusive products).
- Creating limited-time spring-themed products or menu items to draw in seasonal traffic.
- Extending hours on high-traffic event days to welcome more customers.
- Collaborating with other businesses for joint promotions to cross-promote and increase visibility.
- Hosting in-store events such as mini pop-up markets, artist showcases, or live music to bring in more foot traffic on key days.
Maximize Your Marketing
Make sure customers know what’s happening in your business this season. A few easy ways to boost visibility:
- Promote your spring specials and events on social media with eye-catching images and engaging captions.
- Share behind-the-scenes content of your seasonal refresh—people love a sneak peek!
- Use video marketing—short clips of new products, staff prepping for events, or customer testimonials can go a long way.
- Tag @DowntownShreveport in your posts so we can help spread the word.
- Utilize email marketing to keep your loyal customers informed about promotions, new arrivals, and upcoming events.
Prepare for More Foot Traffic
Warmer weather means more people walking around downtown. Make it easy for them to stop in:
- Use sidewalk signage to highlight daily specials or promotions.
- Offer grab-and-go options for customers on the move, especially during events like Artwalk.
- Consider partnering with local artists or musicians to bring energy to your storefront and enhance the visitor experience.
- Train staff to be event-ready, ensuring they’re informed about nearby happenings and can suggest relevant promotions or products to customers.
- If you’re a restaurant or café, update your menu with fresh, lighter spring options that encourage customers to dine outdoors.
Leverage the Return of the Downtown Shreveport Artwalk & Special Events
One of the most anticipated events of the season is the return of Downtown Shreveport Artwalks! These events bring artists, musicians, and performers to the streets of Downtown Shreveport, attracting crowds eager to explore, shop, and dine. If your business isn’t already involved, now is the time to get connected. Consider hosting an artist, offering an exclusive Artwalk special, or simply staying open later to take advantage of the increased foot traffic.
Additionally, this spring, we’re hosting a special Tour of Homes, offering a unique look inside some of downtown’s most stunning spaces. This event is a great opportunity to align your business with downtown living, whether by offering event-day specials, displaying home-themed merchandise, or participating in promotional efforts.
DDA is Here to Help!
Spring is shaping up to be an exciting season in Downtown Shreveport, and we want to make sure you’re ready to make the most of it. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events like the Tour of Homes and the return of the Downtown Shreveport Artwalk—both fantastic opportunities to engage with new and returning customers.
Have questions or need ideas? We’re here for you! Let’s make this spring a great one for Downtown Shreveport businesses.
