Jersey City is rapidly evolving, and so is the market. Many long-time residents are cashing in real estate investments, allowing an influx of new consumers in Jersey City. Each day local business owners are seeing new faces entering their establishments and fewer of the old ones. Further development of big-box retail, malls, and internet shopping has forever changed the business landscape, adding new challenges for all New Jersey main streets and business centers. Business owners in these areas have to become more creative than ever to grab the average shopper not just for today but more importantly for tomorrow.
The CASID focuses on bridging the gap between the local market and business community servicing the Heights Section of Jersey City. Investing a large amount of both time and resources, the CASID takes the initiative to assist businesses in advertising the great variety of goods and services just around the corner. The Avenue continues to evolve as new businesses open every year. Business retention is important and helping those new businesses grow fosters economic development.
The CASID uses the experience of our well-established business members to design effective marketing strategies which benefit the district as a whole. These activities range from special events such as festivals and holiday lighting to developing public relations and marketing materials. The CASID has developed and distributed business directories, coupon books, and other district brochures. The SID program also markets the districts to potential businesses in an effort to reduce vacancies, provide a good mix of businesses and strengthen the district. Since 1992, the CASID has tested a variety of programs including newspaper advertising, direct mailing, coupon programs, sweepstakes, gift certificate programs, television and radio advertising, and an assortment of holiday promotions. All of these activities help to further market the districts to customers. As the local consumer market continues to evolve, so do our programs. Utilizing limited financial resources, our marketing strategy is centered on achieving the most “bang for the buck.” Our programs have a goal of making the Central Avenue business district a familiar and desirable shopping destination, thereby providing stability to Jersey City’s economy and the job market.
CASID members and other local businesses wishing to learn more or participate in our active marketing programs should contact the CASID office.
Active and Past Marketing Programs:
Annual Holiday Light Tradition
When people go shopping during the holiday season (November through January), they look for the entire holiday experience including a festive shopping atmosphere. Central Avenue continues to be an attractive holiday shopping destination, thanks primarily to its seasonal lights and streetscape decorations. It is a neighborhood tradition that is decades-long and has survived several generations. The CASID decorates the 3/4 mile streetscape with inclusive seasonal motifs to encourage business while greeting customers and local residents alike. Since 2002, CASID has decorated Central Avenue with 133 lighting pieces, 3 cross-street skylines, and 46 30×84 inch banners. As an added bonus, the bright lights contribute greatly to visibility and public safety during the early winter nights.
Streetscape Banners & Decorations
Like many great American main streets, Central Avenue is proudly decorated with flags and banners welcoming local residents, veterans, seniors, and shoppers to our business community. While municipal government usually takes the lead to decorate the downtown or main shopping area in smaller town settings, this task has proven to be difficult when you have ten unique business districts to consider as you do in Jersey City. In light of this, the CASID takes the initiative to decorate our streetscape adequately year-round, thereby contributing to traditional neighborhood character, eye appeal on the Avenue, and pride in the community.
Over forty 30×84 inch banners capture the variety of amenities available on or near Central Avenue with the words “Live! Dine! Work! Shop!” and corresponding graphics. The blue banners provide wayfinding assistance for motorists seeking Central Avenue’s four municipal parking lots. Altogether, there are twelve American Flag Displays distributed between the entrances and center of the district for maximum impact. And finally, there are three sets of banner poles allowing for the placement of 4×30 ft banners at the central, northern, and southern entrances of the district. The CASID continues to manage these banner systems to welcome visitors and promote both the business and neighborhood community in Jersey City Heights.
Click here for a Slideshow of Streetscape Banners & Decorations
Sidewalk Sale Events
In conjunction with the Jersey City Police Department and Division of Zoning, the CASID invites Central Avenue businesses to join our monthly Sidewalk Sale Events. The City of Jersey City allows businesses to display merchandise on sidewalks by permit only. While other Jersey City businesses have to go to the Division of Zoning to obtain a permit, Central Avenue businesses can instead pick one up at the CASID office.
Sidewalk sales are limited to three consecutive days a month and can extend no further than four (4) feet from the storefront. Merchandise is not permitted near curbs. The CASID organizes monthly sidewalk sale events (see calendar) to create additional foot traffic on Central Avenue. CASID members should contact the CASID office to obtain a sidewalk sale permit or for further details.
Social Media | Internet Presence
Businesses have to go where the attention of their customers can be found – the internet. Luckily, a SID program can help businesses within a shopping area connect on the internet to brand and promote neighborhood shopping. Social media continues to grow in popularity and helps connect businesses with customers. There are many partnership opportunities among businesses to use this to their advantage.
