“ Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Coco Channel
The Big Idea.
Put Qualicum Beach on the map as a fashion and lifestyle shopping destination.
On May 22nd, 2024 over 20 business owners gathered to discuss a plan to:
Take ownership of our towns retail image.
Combine their efforts in marketing and advertising.
Establish a retailer led business committee.
“Do not fall into the expected West Coast vibe. Everybody is doing that. ”
“We’re not here to play small. ”
Have feedback or ideas for this project? Post them here!
Notes from Terry’s presentation
Qualicum Beach provides an experience unlike any other. We sell world class brands and give personalized service that only an owner operated business can provide. People come here for that experience.
Key lessons I’ve learned:
Qualicum is a hidden jewel according to our customers.
Radio and print ads specifically Boulevard Magazine have proven successful.
We have no highway or way finding signage in town.
Our business is far too seasonal.
Our biggest volume sales are from visitors.
Visitors are pleasantly surprised to find world class brands in such a small town.
Qualicum Beach is not an old community. We have highly educated, fit, well travelled retirees.
Word of mouth is the best referral.
What we can learn from the fashion districts in New York.
Have a logo all our own.
Banners in streets identifying the district.
Flags or identifying markers outside participating stores.
Post card maps of the district.
Website dedicated to the district.
How we can start to build a shopping destination brand:
Advertise outside our community. (Victoria, Vancouver, Lowermainland)
Talk about ourselves like a shopping district in our ads.
Develop a town attitude that is edgy and fun.
Separate ourselves from the rest of the West Coast Kitsch branding being done now.
Refer other business owners to your customers.
Evaluate your own store.
Is it tired?
Is your business clearly defined? Don’t try to be all things to everybody.
Would a fresh look help with staff attitude and customer first impression?
Are your displays fresh?
Windows sparking clean. No taped up posters.
Attractive, tasteful classy signage.
De-clutter!
Get attitude! We are oh-so-cool and friendly.
Great ideas from the crowd
Pocket maps for visitors listing our shops
Billboards between Nanaimo and Tofino
Advertise QB events in other communities to draw visitors
Notes from the Chamber CAO - Jared Shaw
I am committing the effort of the chamber to the creation of a fashion and lifestyle shopping district in Qualicum Beach.
Request council allows a broader use of the $10,000 QBDEC fund to encompass all downtown initiatives.
June 10th I am meeting with a government rep from REDIP to discuss a grant of up to 1M for this initiative.
The chamber has established a retailers committee that will steer this project and other efforts attached to it.
Other communities have done this, lets use their blueprint as a start. Happy Cities and Main Street America a examples.
We can use our mobile visitor kiosk workers with info about F&L shops and get them using the “district“ lingo.
