Small Business Winter Safety Comfort Activities
If there aren't enough ideas out there yet, try these that I gleaned from Michigan's Ec Dev Dept who have a lot of experience coaching small businesses how to attract customers while it's cold.
How small businesses can deal with the COLD and instead celebrate how to enjoy it.
SPACE - Long-term environmental design considerations
Access existing solar exposure (seek radiation & orientation to winter low sun)
Increase curb-side pick up with clear outside bike lanes and sidewalks
Add signs directing to specific pick up locations
Block winter winds - Plant deciduous trees on S & E sides, coniferous trees on north and west sides
Outdoor Patio Seating
Create outdoor “rooms” - add straw bale walls to create pocket seating areas
Add attachment eyes to buildings for temp pop-ups
Awnings that roll out or extend
Use “warm” materials for structures - wood, polyethylene, or vinyl-coated metal
Invest in fabric seat cushions
Add handrails to slippery entries & spaces
Pop-up tents over entrances & pockets for waiting/viewing
Heaters - use electric when possible to reduce carbon-production
Heated tables (DIY:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-10-20/what-outdoor-dining-may-look-like-in-winter
Lighting
Add warm white lights to brighten dark spaces (Christmas twinkle & Edison bulbs)
Create “fireplaces” with improvised structures & lights
Enhance Sales Online
Conduct live holiday shopping events on social media
Use QR codes on storefront window to promote products and online shopping.
Expand curb-side pick-up and delivery options
Develop winter themed specials, sales, and products
Experience Marketing Events
Create positive winter themed marketing for storefronts and sales
Limit activities & spread them out
Stagger attendance - VIP, invite-only and RSVP events and sub-events
Business Activities - Customer participation
Socialize: outdoor theater stages, wandering choral groups
Walking tours (art sculptures, history tours, window displays/decorations)
BYOB-blanket
Promote appropriate clothing with contests: Sweaters, hats, gloves, personal lighting
Invite food & beverage trucks to serve warm refreshments out front
Invite non-profits to “staff” outside areas
References:
Michigan Economic Development Corporation Covid Response Winter Strategies https://www.miplace.org/4aafef/contentassets/121f2aa174374015a15724e381a7a517/winter-report_final-_102620.pdf
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-10-20/what-outdoor-dining-may-look-like-in-winter