2-Day Workshop Provides Information & Support to Local Retail Businesses

By Terry Boyda, Marshall Main Street Volunteer
Marshall businesses that wish to optimize their sales and growth potential will be
pleased to know that an upcoming 2-day retail workshop has been designed to help
them do just that. Scheduled for April 23 and 24, "Merchandising for Main Street
Retailers" will be presented by Scott Day, Principal of Urban Development Services,
a Texas-based consulting firm which specializes in commercial revitalization.
The program consists of two parts. A seminar on the evening of Wednesday, April 23,
provides an overview of effective merchandising and design strategies developed
specifically for small retail businesses. The following day, Thursday, April 24, a
limited number of Marshall businesses will have the opportunity to avail themselves
of on-site consulting sessions with Mr. Day. Conducting an actual "walk through" of
a store allows Mr. Day to expand upon and personalize information from the previous
night's program, addressing the specific needs of each business.

The April 23 program, which will be held in Marshall's Public Services Building (900
South Marshall Street), will begin with light refreshments at 6:00 pm, followed at
6:30 by a 2-hour interactive presentation. Discussed will be such things as
maximizing sales per square foot, creating effective displays, and balancing return
and investment. Store owners, managers and staff can all benefit from the topics
slated for discussion. Those who plan to attend are requested to phone 269-727-0005
to reserve their space. Reservations are not required, but will ensure adequate
materials for all participants.

Due to time constraints, the individual consulting sessions on April 24 will be
limited to seven stores located within the Marshall Main Street district. Because
of demand, anyone interested in booking a session should contact Main Street
Manager, Diane Larkin, as soon as possible. There is no charge to business owners
for this on-site consultation; however, attendance at the preceding Wednesday night
session is required.
Mr. Day has 17 year's experience as a Senior Program Associate with the National
Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Center. This makes him uniquely
qualified to advise and assist in the revitalization of businesses in towns like
Marshall, which wish to maintain historic integrity while supporting commercial
growth.
For further information, contact Main Street Manager, Diane Larkin at
727-0005. This event is hosted by Marshall Main Street and sponsored by Michigan
Main Street.