Bainbridge’s downtown area is home to 125 businesses that collectively employ approximately 500 people. However, concerns about vacancies on North West Street have prompted local businesses to strive for more customers and increased sales. One way for Bainbridge shoppers to support small businesses is through word-of-mouth advertising, which was emphasized by business owners in a recent broadcast.
Factory Connection, located on the outskirts of downtown, is one such business seeking community support. Assistant manager Kristin Smith expressed her concerns about the store being overlooked due to its location and the lack of foot traffic it receives compared to other downtown attractions. To address this issue, Smith and others at Factory Connection have been exploring creative ways to promote the store and attract more customers.
The Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce has also been actively encouraging locals to support small businesses by engaging in social media campaigns. This strategy has proven effective for businesses like 6J Scrubs, which saw a boost in sales during its grand opening thanks to promotions shared by the chamber. In addition to social media campaigns, the Downtown Development Authority offers grants and connects business owners with developers for low-interest loans. However, innovative ways of attracting customers and increasing foot traffic in their stores are still needed by business owners. They can learn more ways to promote their businesses by reaching out to resources like the National Small Business Association, the Downtown Development Authority, and the local chamber of commerce.