Placemaking in a Pandemic
Our public spaces are changing fast.
Many retail spaces that were once filled with people are now quiet, and customer behaviour has significantly shifted. COVID-19 is forcing us all to reimagine a new normal where our retail precincts, shop fronts and the places we used to gather can still be viable while also providing a safe space for our staff and our customers.
This is where the concept of placemaking* has been gaining attention, offering us not only ways to improve our business and public safety but it can also play a larger role in creating cohesion and resilience for our community, at a time when we need it the most.
So where do we start? How do we make the most of more people being local? How do we re-imagine our customer experiences? How do we better connect with our community?
In this three part series we explore some low cost easy to implement ideas that Melton City business can put into action right now.
“Public places are most dynamic — and most enduring — when they showcase and boost a community’s unique public life, economy, and culture. This is especially true when the people using them are involved in their creation, continual re-creation, management, and governance. This is the essence of placemaking.”
PART 1: Getting Seen From a Distance
Get Creative
Let your customers know you are still open.
Decorate your window, make big colourful signs to let people know that YES you are open, what your hours are and what you’re offering. Everyone's a little worn out right now and in need of some joy – how can you create a little joy in your window?
Even if you are closed people will remember it as they walk by – with more people walking around in their neighbourhoods there are more heads to turn. Lights, pot plants, colourful garlands and fun in your windows or in the trading zone of your footpath will create a vibrant street for those passing by on foot or in a car.
Want more ideas?
Bring Your Shop to the Windows
Display what you have on offer. Bringing your display cabinet up to the window will let people browse what’s on offer from a safe distance…you may even tempt people passing by. Another alternative is to print your menu or daily special REALLY BIG. Read more here.
Be Clear on Your Safety Measures
People are nervous about being in public again, some more than others. Make it clear to your customers what you expect of them (i.e. how many people in the shop at one time, how you put social distancing measures into place).
A poster on the door, tape on the floor – make it easy for them to know what to do – while reassuring them that safety is a priority in your shop. This will make them feel safe to enter your shop, or ensuring that you are taking social distancing seriously.
You can download and print helpful posters from Retail Australia HERE
Be Bold, Clear and Visible
Small notes in the window are only visible to people who walk up to your door. Having big bold signs in your window or on your footpath will send the message to people whether they are in cars, bikes or on foot. Be clear in your messaging, use bright bold colours that are easy to read at a distance.
Remember to keep your messaging positive – people need a little light right now. Need help?
Canva is an online graphic design tool free and easy to use with tons of well designed templates to choose from.
The Human Touch
Even though the human touch is kind of banned right now we need it more than ever, emotionally at least. We are all feeling the impacts of several weeks of isolation and distancing – and people want to connect. So find ways to reach out and connect with your customers in a real but hygienic way– simple things like writing a large hand written sign on your door or window or a handwritten thank-you message on someone’s takeaway order. Creating memorable personalised experiences for your customers is fun way to keep you in their memory.
You can also promote and praise kindness through the Kindness Poster Campaign a collaboration with council and local artists, it’s as simple as putting a poster made by a local artist up in your window more details here
If you have questions or would like to discuss an idea before implementing it, Council’s Economic Development & Tourism team is here to help – simply give us a call on 9747 7157 or email venturemelton@melton.vic.gov.au
Randi Wagner
Place Engagement & Activation Officer
Melton City Council