Business Blog: FNC is your downtown Merchant Association

Much has been written of the importance of Downtown Merchant Associations and that these groups have a well-focused mission statement. Here is FNC's Mission Statement:  

The Friends of Norwood Center (FNC) is a nonprofit organization working to develop, build and strengthen the downtown experience and vitality for the entire community. We strive to be a voice supported by the merchants and residents to make Norwood Center relevant and vibrant.

We're working to create a buzz about Downtown Norwood and the Friends of Norwood Center NEED YOUR MEMBERSHIP! 

Keep the forward momentum headed downtown! 

The following is edited from Christine Moynihan, Retail Visioning

“Merchant Associations” come in all shapes and sizes. I believe that whatever form they come in, they can be a great resource for every downtown, retail district AND retailer in America. When retailers come together to help improve business it is always a good thing....

As you get to work, a first good step would be to do some visioning and put a mission statement in place for your merchant association. What do I mean by “mission statement”? As defined on Wikipedia,

“A mission statement is a statement of the purpose of a company or organization. The mission statement should guide the actions of the organization, spell out its overall goal, provide a path, and guide decision-making.”

This is important for many reasons, but most importantly so the merchant association does not fall into the self-limiting trap of focusing on only one initiative.... 

Your merchant association will be as valuable to you and your neighboring storefront businesses as the framework upon which it is built. Start with a bold mission statement and make your merchant association strong!

Business Blog: Job 1, Christine Moynihan

by ChristineMoynihan

Why do you need to be so darn good?  Why do you need to be at the top of your game EVERY day? Because there is so much competition for your customer’s dollars out there!   But, you say… I am the only toy store in 5 miles… or there is no better ice cream than mine…or my fashion-forward clothing is at the best prices around.  Well, what if your customer fully knows those things… but is enticed by something else?  Everything that can take your customer’s money out of his or her pocket is competition.  Sure, they wanted to get your delicious ice cream… until they got side-tracked by a SALE on shoes.   Sure, they know your pricing for the hottest trends is best, but they suddenly realized Mother’s Day was coming up and fashion-forward went by the boards.   And that toy… well, this time it was easier to order it on line and have it shipped.   We need to stay top of mind with our customers for sure… but we also need to convert those good thoughts directly to purchases.  That is Job 1! 

A few tips:

Keep your windows and any displays that can be seen from outside your store compelling – don’t let someone walk by and “plan to come back.”  Grab their attention and get them in the door!  

When sending out email blasts or postcards, create a sense of urgency.  While they are thinking about you they need to get down to your store ASAP!

When shoppers seem distracted and “just browsing,” provide an incentive for them to get serious while they are there.  Give each of your salespeople a “make it happen fund” to use at their discretion so that they can offer a “today only special” and convert an interest to a sale. 

Info about Norwood Theater

From Kelly Glista, Norwood Patch:

Board Approves Wine and Beer License for Norwood Theater

The Norwood Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve a Wine and Malt Beverage license, a C.V. license and an Entertainment license for the Norwood Theater, set to reopen in August, after a short public hearing Tuesday night.

Susan Lewis, manager for the theater, said the ability to serve alcoholic refreshments will allow the theater to function at the level of others in the area.

"I want to be able to compare the venue with some of the performing arts centers in Boston and the surrounding area," she said.

Lewis said the service will not be available for every performance, as there may be children's shows or concerts for young adults where alcohol service is inappropriate.

Selectman Allan Howard said the license will be an excellent addition to the venue, while Selectman Helen Abdallah Donohue complimented Lewis on her dedication.

"Your enthusiasm in the project is just so intense," Donohue said.

Last week was Busy!

Friday, April 20th, Friends of Norwood Center sponsored our First MEAL MOB/CASH MOB at the Common Cafe. What fun that was! A group mobbed the cafe and ordered from their menu of delicious salads, wraps, soups, cookies, and more. What a delicious way to support the community.

We also held our first SPENDING SATURDAY. With various "green" offers and events around Earth Day, participating stores like Babel's Paint and Decorating, Envy Boutique, Twice Is Nice, and Silver and Sage provided discounts and specials on their products.

Sunday was Earth Day and Friends of Norwood Center celebrated it at the Earth Day Extravaganza sponsored by Together Yes, the Environmental Youth Coalition, the Morrill Memorial Library, and the FNC. Due to the much-needed rain, the event was indoors at the United Church of Norwood's Community Room. I offered free face painting in Earth-themed subjects. What fun it was.

Together Yes photo of Kim Weineck painting Vic Babel's face
at the Earth Day Extravaganza, April 22nd

Today I'm delighted to announce that the soon-to-open Charles River Running at 679 Washington Street is starting its build-out and has a 'coming soon' sign in its window. Can't wait for the grand opening!

The Sweeterie, at 686 Washington Street (across from Perks Coffeehouse) is now open 7 days for your ice cream needs in the warmer weather. Fresh FroYo is also an option for your cooler sweet needs.

More is coming from FNC. Be sure to keep checking in for information on new Meal Mobs and more!

Thanks for reading!
~Kim Weineck,
Downtown Manager

Today is Spending Saturday!

Today, Saturday 21st is our first SPENDING SATURDAY!

Where in Norwood Center will you Spend your Saturday?
Friends of Norwood Center hope you'll keep the Earth in mind in honor of Earth Day, tomorrow, April 22nd.

Events and Specials for our Earth Day Inspired SPENDING SATURDAY:

Babel's Paint and Decorating:  Sale on Benjamin Moore low VOC paint
Envy Boutique: 10% off non-sale items in the store, including Alex and Ani recycled metal bracelets
Custom Art Framing: 15% off custom framing orders using Eco-friendly moulding selection
Twice is Nice: Sale available on selected resale clothing items
Hill Jewelers: Up to 60% off selected jewelry selections
Silver and Sage: Enter a raffle to win a Mother's Day bouquet with 10% off all preorders today.

While in Norwood Center consider these Green Options:

Perks doesn't use styrofoam in its packaging
Antiques Roadhouse is an environmentally friendly business model of reusing goods
ReMARKable Clean Outs is also an environmentally friendly business of resale and repurposing.
Hill's Jewelers has been in Norwood Center for 30 years! And they recycle!

MEAL MOB :: Fri, Apr 20, 12-2pm

MEAL MOB at the Common Cafe!

Friends of Norwood Center is asking everyone to enjoy lunch at the Common Cafe at 637 Washington Street (corner of Washington and Cottage Streets, downtown Norwood) tomorrow, Friday, April 20th.

Arrive anytime between 12-2pm. We want to mob the restaurant and give them a bounce in the business.

We've modeled this Meal Mob after the Cash Mobs that have been springing up in local-centered communities.

Can't have lunch at the Common Cafe? Stop in for a delicious pastry or a soft drink.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Introducing SPENDING SATURDAYS!

How are you SPENDING SATURDAY?

Friends of Norwood Center want you to spend the 3rd Saturday of each month in Downtown Norwood!

The third Saturday of every month FNC will hold SPENDING SATURDAY, beginning Saturday, April 21^st with a kick off to our Earth Day weekend of events with Together Yes. 

Your group support of our local merchants on these days can add up for our downtown businesses. When you spend your money locally more of that money stays in your local community. Make a difference in your community by patronizing your local merchants.

Every business in Norwood Center will benefit from your patronage on SPENDING SATURDAY, our version of a cash mob, but focused on numerous merchants in our Norwood Downtown business district. 

Green-focused businesses participating in our First SPENDING SATURDAY event 

with an Earth Day tie-in on April 21^st include: 

Envy Boutique, 

Babel’s Paint and Decorating, 

Twice Is Nice, 

Silver and Sage, 

Custom Art Framing, 

Band Gig Music Program, 

with more coming on! 

Visit these stores for discounts and chances at raffle giveaways to be announced at the FNC and Together Yes Earth Day event on Sunday, April 22^nd from 2-5pm, held at the United Church in Norwood’s common room.

Spending Saturdays feature savings and specials for patrons of Norwood Center stores, restaurants, businesses, etc. Want to know what is available to you for this month’s SPENDING SATURDAY? 

Check our website: norwoodcenter.blogspot.com for updated listings.

How are you SPENDING SATURDAY?
On April 21^st, I’m spending it at businesses concerned with the earth and sustainability.

How about you?