DLBA Considers New Approach to Retail Events

In an economic downturn, everyone is affected, including—and perhaps, especially—the small business owner.

The , which has 75 member businesses, is working to assist local merchants as they weather the challenges of the current economic climate. 

“It’s important, especially when there is an economic downturn, that we continue to work together,” said Judy Tschumper, executive director of the DLBA.

Tschumper noted that the DLBA has managed to retain the number of businesses in downtown Lakeville despite the economy. Although several businesses in have recently closed, an equivalent number have opened, thus maintaining an economic balance.

According to Tschumper, retail businesses are most impacted by the economy. January is also the most financially difficult time of the year to be a retailer. Fortunately, she said, the DLBA has a retail committee dedicated to developing ideas that will help local retail businesses grow and prosper.

The retail committee held its first meeting Jan. 11. The committee now is in the process of evaluating past endeavors and planning events for 2012.

“We’ll be working hard to create events in 2012,” said Lisa Vossen, owner of the and a member of both the DLBA advisory board and the retail committee.

In the past, the committee has organized a variety of promotional events like Ladies Night, which offered customers the opportunity to take advantage of sales and win raffle prizes. Several retailers also offered a Christmas coupon special. Customers who purchased $100 of merchandise in December received a gift card.

However, this year, the retail committee is considering changing their approach. 

According to Vossen, past events have not always drawn clientele. In 2011, the committee held events on a monthly basis. They are now debating whether it might be more productive to host fewer, larger events, although no decisions have been made yet.

“We are all here to support our community,” said Vossen. “Our hearts are in it.”