Recent news that Hotel Aiken might turn into a Marriott with retail space on the bottom floor has created a buzz around the City and the rest of the county.
Now, the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce has revealed that it is exploring a professional retail strategy that could help existing retailers and recruit new ones. More on the topic will be discussed at the Chamber's monthly breakfast, First Friday Means Business.
The upcoming breakfast will be 7:30 to 9 a.m. Friday at Newberry Hall, 117 Newberry St. S.W.
Tickets at the door are $25, but RSVP tickets are encouraged. They are $15 and can be purchased at http://tinyurl.com/FF050115.
The Chamber has invited Matt Petro and Lacy Beasley from Retail Strategies - a company formed to help cities take a comprehensive approach to retail recruitment.
The two will explain how their process could help build a stronger retail market in Aiken. In February, Petro spoke with the Aiken Standard about building business in Aiken, and explained the benefits of having a focused approach to retail recruitment. "It is far better to have a list of 10 to 20 retail concepts you know are a good fit and targeting customized marketing materials for those rather than a list of 100 or more retailers with a generic message," Petro said.
In addition to the guest speakers, the event will include City Talk, County Talk and Chamber Talk to provide updates on the latest news in the area.
RSVP cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance to be honored. For more information, call 803-641-1111.
Derrek Asberry is the SRS beat reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the paper since June 2013. He is originally from Vidalia, Ga., and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Follow him on Twitter @DerrekAsberry.
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