Attract More Customers From Existing Traffic
Owners of giftshops and studios open to the public agree that increasing the conversion rates of drive-by and walk-by traffic is vital to maintaining healthy sales numbers. As the summer season approaches, the mixed economic outlook reports and the increase in the cost of fuel and food threaten to impact both the number of visitors to the region and how they will spend their money.
The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) offers three ways to help retailers and studio owners maintain healthy sales numbers: The Marketing Toolkit Workshop, The Marketing Toolkit Packet and a do-it-yourself version of the workshop. All three force shop and studio owners to look at their shop signage, exteriors and windows with fresh eyes.
The next Marketing Toolkit Workshop is scheduled for May 15 in Glens Falls at the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) from 5 to 7 pm. The workshop will be devoted to on-site critiques of downtown Glens Falls businesses: Sterling & Co., The May Gallery and LARAC. Workshop participants will benefit as well from the commentary on the many shop exteriors and signage along the walk between the three sites. Workshop presenter Nadia Korths, Crafts Program Coordinator for ANCA since 1997, is known to facilitate a lively and informal hands-on workshop.
To Register: Contact LARAC: 518.798.1144 ext. 2 or email. The fee is $20 for LARAC and ANCA members and $30 for non-members. It includes the Marketing Toolkit Packet (45 pages).
The second way to look at shop signage, exteriors and windows with fresh eyes is by reading the 45 page Marketing Toolkit Packet. The report summarizes the marketing practices of 12 regional shop and studio owners. The best practices are presented in three sections: Marketing Your Business, Marketing Your Site and Marketing Your Interior. To order ($10), contact ANCA, 518.891.6200 or anca@northnet.org. MC/Visa accepted.
The final do-it-yourself approach consists of shop and studio owners critiquing and comparing all business signage, exteriors and window displays to their own for two weeks. Apply the three techniques most likely to bring the most customers into the shop or studio which cost the least in dollars and time.

Shops and Shows Looking for Artisans
~The Towne Store in Schroon Lake is looking for artisans to fill the new 1,400 square foot gallery and workshop space. Patti Mehm, owner and mosaic artist, since buying the Towne Store with her husband in 2005, has increased sales by 100%. Contact Patti at 518.532.9954 or pmehme(at)townestore.com
~forARTSake in Malone is looking for work to display for the July Juried Art Competition. There is no theme. Cash prices will be awarded for Best in Show, First, Second and Third Places. Contact forARTSake at 518.483.9411.
~The 16th annual High Peaks Arts and Antiques Show is looking for artisans, crafters and antique dealers. The show, scheduled for August 23 and 24 in Keene Valley along heavily traveled Rte. 73, is sponsored by Mt. Marcy Artisans, a non-for-profit supporting the Arts in the North Country. For applications or more info, contact Jodi Downs at 518.576.4719 or jodisamuelsdowns(at)hotmail.com

New Shop Colorful Collections
Colorful Collections, a new shop at 142 N. Main St. in Northville, just celebrated their grand opening the first weekend of May. They are specializing in selling American-made crafts.

Ongoing News Posting
Announcements and news are posted on an ongoing basis inbetween e-newsletters.

Nadia Korths, Craft Programs Coordinator
Adirondack North Country Association | 28 St. Bernard Street | Saranac Lake NY 12983
518.891.1632 | korths@northnet.org | To Unsubscribe