Identifying the Walton Street Redevelopment program as a challenge for business in the summer of 2024, the CNL Shops Downtown program was launched to raise awareness about these anticipated challenges and give a much-needed financial boost to the community.
The program ran from June to November 2024 and successfully drove business to downtown Port Hope. Throughout the six-month campaign, a total of $7,124.17 was spent across 31 participating stores. Notable trends in purchasing behavior were seen, with the hospitality sector emerging as the most popular category. Local restaurants and eateries were favored spots for participants, with The Thirsty Goose, Santorini’s, Gusto, Beamish House, and Frosted Flour topping the list as the most visited and popular locations.
In addition to the CNL Shops Downtown program with a monthly incentive draw, staff were encouraged to host off-site meetings in downtown locations and purchase catering and services from multiple downtown providers as much as possible. By actively encouraging local spending and highlighting the vibrancy of the downtown, the program helped mitigate the impact of the construction.
With CNL support at all levels, lasting connections were built between businesses and staff in the community in which they live and serve. The result being a resounding success for the CNL Shops Downtown program and Port Hope businesses.
