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Sault Ste. Marie City Council Moves to Turn Empty Storefronts into Tourism Promotions
Sault Ste. Marie city council is exploring a new way to revitalize its downtown by borrowing promotional techniques commonly used in shopping malls. The idea, introduced by Ward 1 Councillor Sandra Hollingsworth, focuses on turning empty storefronts into eye-catching marketing displays that promote local attractions, events, and businesses.
Hollingsworth noted that although the city is working hard to fill vacant commercial spaces, these storefronts can serve a purpose in the meantime. By installing large-format window graphics, decals, and QR codes, the city could highlight the region’s natural and cultural attractions while improving the look of unused retail spaces. This approach has been used successfully in malls and plazas, where vacant units often feature promotional displays until new tenants move in.
A similar pilot project was completed about six years ago by the Downtown Association at a cost of less than $3,000, proving the idea can be executed economically. The newly approved resolution calls for tourism and public relations staff to collaborate with the downtown committee to design a plan for implementing experiential marketing campaigns in these empty windows.
