Back to Business – Kent
Main Street Kent
Main Street Kent ordered 96,000 cups for downtown businesses the day after a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) was approved. They had pushed DORA for about a year, and COVID-19 finally turned the 31 liquor permit owners’ indifference into excitement. Now, visitors can drink and relax outside downtown businesses.
During COVID-19, Main Street Kent has helped beautify Kent and connect members to resources such as DORA, discount punch cards, and its social media audience. The businesses have cross-promoted each other with products and social media, and they have shared outdoor seating.
During quarantine, Off the Wagon gift shop and Kent Cheesemonger created wine, cheese and puzzle boxes and delivered them to nearby homes. Tree City Coffee staff recently posted a picture wearing masks and holding a Belleria pizza box.
Retailers brainstormed ideas with Main Street Kent at a “Summer Survival” meeting. They agreed more discounts were impossible, but the owner of Tree City Coffee suggested creating a punch card to reward customers for visiting downtown businesses. Milarcik approved the idea and will provide prizes like Main Street Kent mugs.
Milarcik is also exploring the possibility of students using a small percentage of their Kent State Flash IDs at downtown businesses.
While many Main Street directors recorded Facebook Live videos to promote members during quarantine, Milarcik interviewed local businesses via Zoom. She also visited Ray’s Place and posted pictures of its owner and trademark moose head wearing masks. The post gained around 200 interactions.
“If you show people what’s happening, it’ll build confidence,” she says. “People will be more willing to go out knowing that the businesses are being as safe as they can.”
In addition to DORA, the city council approved the use of abutting property for outdoor seating. For example, One Center yoga and meditation was closed during quarantine, but Scribbles Coffee Shop next door set up chairs and tables in their outdoor area.
Every year, Kent has an Adopt-a-Spot program with 35 flower beds sponsored by local businesses for $250. The sponsors or Main Street volunteers plant the flowers, and the city upkeeps the beds for the summer. Because of COVID-19, Milarcik started a GoFundMe campaign to avoid asking local businesses for money. They raised a few thousand dollars and were able to plant the flower beds.
“We were able to let our little guys know that the community has got you covered this year,” she says.
Downtown Kent is known for events such as art walk, and Milarcik highlights how with DORA, visitors can walk around with a drink. She hopes that in the future, they can host outdoor, socially distanced events like the art walk or a downtown putt-putt tournament.
“The plan is to get as much outdoor activity and local-supporting-local promotion as possible,” she says.
Throughout recovery and reopening, Milarcik has encouraged the retailers, sharing information and resources, being positive, and thinking long term.
“Be thoughtful and methodical in making changes, and listen to the medical experts and the guidance of our city and state,” she says. “Think outside the box and rely on your Main Street organization. We are here to help.”