THE PERTH PULSE | Issue 2-2019 1

htt ps://www.googl e.ca/search? q=t OW NHALL+ pert h+ ont ario+ images&rlz= 1C1L ENP_enC A621C A621&espv=2&biw =1360&bih=683&t bm=isch&imgil=TU _5Pg1eQ9L7_M %253A%253B1U HBSr qmd77Y EM %253Bhtt p%25253A%25252F %25252Fw ww.pert hont arioinfo.com%25252Fw elcome.ht ml&

source=iu&pf=m&fir=TU _5Pg1eQ9L7_M %253A%252C1U HBSrqmd77Y EM %252 C_&usg=__TAwW XrlU nSC--Sx5EZdbs0W poQk%3D

DOWNTOWN HERITAGE PERTH - THE HEART OF PERTH!

FACE BOOK,COM

Message from the Chair

The BIA Board of Directors is always looking for new ways to promote Downtown businesses. At the last Board meeting, we voted to allocate funds to hire someone to do Face Book live videos in downtown businesses. These

would be short (30-60 second videos), that are spontaneous and unrehearsed. These videos will be posted on the BIA Face Book page, which currently is ‘liked’ by 2490 people.

Please let us know if you would like to participate. There is no cost to you. We plan on getting this started in March.

Shopping and Dining Map for 2019

We have an exciting new design for the 2019 Shopping and Dining Guide! BIA Last week, BIA Directors began visiting our downtown businesses to discuss advertising on the 2019 Guide, and show a mock-up of our new design.

We have 3 sizes of ads this year and we will have a lottery, for those businesses interested in purchasing a large or extra-large advertisement.

Businesses must confirm by March 11th if they want to advertise on the map. If you are purchasing a large or extra-large advertisement, your cheque must be dated no later than April 30th, 2019.

Since the office will be closed from March 18 – 28th, cheques can be dropped off to Fashion Envy or the front counter of the Town Hall. If you have questions during this time period, please contact Kerri Whan at kerriwhan@gmail.com

March Brings Exciting NEW

Businesses and Events!

THE PERTH PULSE | Issue #2- 2019 2

Below is a mock-up of the front of the 2019 Shopping and Dining Guide. Different photos will be used in final map design.

Shoplifting Seminar Notes

Shoplifting in downtown Perth was a major issue discussed at our January Mastermind meeting. On Thursday Feb. 21st we invited Eric Yee, a Loss Prevention Expert, to speak to our members about the current trends in shoplifting and ways in which our stores can prevent losses in the future.

Here are some highlights from Eric’s presentation.

Typically, there are three types of shoplifters;

1. Individual addicted to

drugs – they look for

high priced items that

they can quickly resell at

a lower price. You would

recognize them as not

being your typical

customer.

2. Active Shoplifters – they

are more difficult to spot

and will often steal in the

moment.

3. Professional Shoplifters

- will sometimes travel in

a group and will often

move from town to town

Loss Prevention Tips/Alerts

Top Alerts include:

Watch for customers

carrying large open

bags, such as reusable

bags, purses,

backpacks and duffle

bags that are easy to fill

If customers are

removing clothes from

hangers and draping

them over their arm,

they can easily conceal

a piece of clothing

underneath that they are

trying to steal

If a customer is picking

up multiples of one item,

it is difficult to see how

many the have e.g.

scarves

Be aware of the blind

spots in your business,

behind bookcases,

corners. Eric

recommended adding

dome mirrors on the

walls that will allow you

to see around the blind

spots of your business.

Watch for groups of

people that come in

together. Often

someone will distract the

staff, while the others

are shoplifting

Customer is showing signs of the above alert signals – now what?

Offer a parcel

cheque, “I see that

you have a lot to

carry, would you like

me to hold your

parcels for you

behind our counter

Use Customer

Service to you’re

your advantage! “I

like that purse that

you picked up, would

you like to see the

perfect wallet or

scarf to go with that

purse?” (This lets the

person know that

you are aware that

they have the purse

in their possession)

After you greet a

new customer in the

store and offer to

help, turn and walk

away. If the

customer looks back

at you within the first

10 seconds, take

note. Sometimes,

they are trying to

figure out if you are

still watching.

However, if they

THE PERTH PULSE | Issue #2- 2019 3

don’t look back at

you and continue to

browse, then they

are most likely just

shopping

Some shoplifters will

remove sale price

tags and put the less

expensive tags on a

higher priced item

Look for small

disguises such as

wearing sunglasses

indoors or baseball

caps

Eric stressed that great customer service is the best way to deter shoplifting.

A camera should be

pointed at entrance of

your store

Pay attention to your

customer. Make

comments about

purse/bags that they are

carrying into your store.

(“I like your purse

where’s it from? That

bag looks heavy, if you’d

like we can check it

behind the counter for

you?”) This tells a

possible dishonest

customer that you have

taken note of them and

hopefully deters them

from concealing

merchandise.

Add a "Shoplifters will

be Prosecuted” sign to

your front door. If you

don’t have this sign, it

can be a loop hole in a

court case

Remember that if you

approach a shoplifter in

anger, they will most

likely mirror that anger

back at you.

5 Steps for Lawful Arrest

If you are intending to prosecute, you must remember to have this information. This information is very important for your police report.

1. When did the person

enter the store? Do you

have the exact time that

the shoplifter entered

your store?

2. Selection of

merchandise. Do you

know exactly what was

taken?

3. Concealment of

merchandise. Did you

witness the shoplifter

conceal the items?

4. Full continuity

throughout the store.

Was there any time after

the item was stolen that

you didn’t watch the

shoplifter? Could they

have put the item back,

and someone else took

the merchandise?

5. Exists store with

merchandise. Did you

see the shoplifter exist

the store with the

merchandise

concealed?

Shop Til you Drop!

Please share this promotion on your social media channels. There are 26 downtown businesses participating in this promotion.

From Jan. 3rd – May 31st the Parkside Inn and Spa will offer 15% off their room rate for guests who book in and mention this promotion. Once they have checked into the hotel, they will receive this card with a date stamped on it and a map to the 25 stores that will give the guests 10% off their purchases. A list of participating stores is available on our Festival and Events page. https://www.downtownperthbia.ca/festivals--events.html

Free Digital Workshops

Under the Ontario Digital Main Street Initiative, free digital workshops are available for small businesses.

THE PERTH PULSE | Issue #2- 2019 4

Register:obiaa.com/training Book your seat today: http://bit.ly/OBIAATraining #DigitalMainSt #Ontario

SEO Fundamentals: Online Webinar

Wed April 24th @ 7PM

Social Media for Small Businesses: Online Webinar

Wed., May 15 @ 7PM

Maximizing Your Online Advertising & Digital Marketing Budget: Online Webinar

Thurs, June 20 @ 7PM

Apply for a $2500 grant to grow

your small business with help from Digital Main St. Take the digital assessment to see if you qualify for an Ontario Grant. It could mean $2,500 in funding to support your small business. http://bit.ly/DigitalMainStOntario

Fieldhouse and Sunflower Bake Shop are under New Ownership

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Young as the new owner of the Fieldhouse and Matthew McShane as the new owner of the Sunflower Bake Shop.

NEW Business - Maggie’s Tea and Toast Café

Maggie’s Tea and Toast Café will open on Foster St. this May in the former Wishberry location.

New owner Maggie Shannon grew up in Fallbrook and studied philosophy at Queen’s University. She fell in love with the tea and café culture as a life-long admirer of reading and contemplation. She wants to make the Tea and Toast Café a great place in Perth where people can come in and enjoy a cup of hot comfort.

They will be serving a large selection of organic and ethically sourced loose-leaf tea, as well as coffee, salads, wraps, smoothies and sweet treats.

NEW Director – Graydon Hill

Graydon is currently the Bank Manager of TD Bank. He has been the Manager there since July 2018 and lives in Ashton, Ontario. Graydon chose to get involved in the BIA Board to help give back to the Perth Community, as well as meet more local business owners in the area.

New Director - Jennifer MacCraken

THE PERTH PULSE | Issue #2- 2019 5

Jennifer moved to Perth in January 2016 from Ottawa and started working at Lavender and Lace where she quickly became Manager of the store. Currently she still manages Lavender and Lace and also her own store, Likkuid Sole.

Jennifer has been working in retail for 30 years and has managed several big stores over the years; HMV, Gap Inc and Lululemon. Most of the time she was a buyer, inventory manager and manager for various companies.

Having managed her store for 1.5 years, Jennifer thought it was time to join the BIA and get involved with what this great town has to offer. She wants to meet other business owners, make some new friends, help others, learn from others and get involved in keeping our businesses strong and irresistible. Jennifer is looking forward to a fantastic year in downtown Perth!

International Women’s Day- March 8th

On March 8th we celebrate “the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” This day belongs to all women and we want to celebrate the 50+ businesses in downtown Perth that are owned by women. #WD2019 #BalanceforBetter

Join us in celebrating the amazing women in Downtown Perth! We invite you to answer the question, “What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a female entrepreneur in downtown

Perth?” Send us your answer, a photo of yourself and a photo of the front of your business and we will promote your success on our social media channels during the first two weeks of March.

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/IWD2019

Patio Tables in Downtown Perth

Some of our downtown businesses have indicated that they are interested in having patios during the summer months, from May 1st to October 31st. Town of Perth policy states that the term of this lease is for a maximum of three years. A maximum of four (4) sidewalk patios shall be permitted in the BIA in any installation season. There is an application process to complete with the Town of Perth and approval of Council is required.

An application must be sent to the Director of Protective Services, by March 15th. I have spoken to Forbes and there is flexibility with this date but remember it can take 4-6 weeks to go before council for approval. The application process must be completed by the business, before it is sent forward for approval.

Please let me know if you are interested in reviewing this policy and I will send you the PDF.

Lanark County Business Retention & Expansion Project – Press Release

Lanark County, in partnership with Valley Heartland Community Futures Development is delivering the Business Retention and Expansion Project, which aims to support and strengthen local business across the county.

Through the project, the volunteer and business communities are coming together to help Lanark County and local municipalities better understand business needs and priorities.

More than 80 volunteers have conducted surveys of 100 businesses. By completing the survey, businesses can share information about issues and will be contributing to the development of future projects, programs and priorities that support business across Lanark County. The results will help Lanark County asses the needs of local businesses now and in the future.

Sip & Savour in Lanark County

The Sip & Savour Trail program is created by the Lanark County Tourism Association (LCTA) in partnership with the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Association.

If you are a tourism operator or stakeholder in Lanark County with a focus on food and drink, this is a great opportunity to be part of a NEW food and drink tour in Lanark.

THE PERTH PULSE | Issue #2- 2019 6

If you are interested in receiving information about this opportunity, please contact the BIA office at bia@perth.ca and we will forward information to you.

Stewart Park Vendor Applications are Open

If you have handmade products that you wish to sell as an Artisan Vendor in the SPF Market, here is the application link

https://www.stewartparkfestival.com/marketplace/artisan-vendor-information/

If you are a food vendor and you want to take part in the SPF Market, here is the application link

https://www.stewartparkfestival.com/marketplace/food-vendor-information/

Deadline for applications is March 29, 2019 and all applications will be juried. All BIA members get a 20% discount off the regular vendor fee.

Perth Women’s Health & Wellness event March 10th @ 9AM – 3PM at the Best Western Plus Perth.

This drop-in event promotes women’s physical and mental health and various health professionals will be on-site. Pre-register for health professional info sessions at Eventbrite.com. $5 entry fee in support of Lanark County Interval House

Feed the Fight to End Violence Against Women Fundraiser

March 21st @ 6:30 – 11PM at the Stone Cellar Restaurant. Delicious 3 course meal, local celebrity servers, silent auction, draws for prizes, live musical entertainment and more. Tickets are $50 and this event is in support of the Lanark County Interval House.

Bring Out Your Sparkles Ladies Night

March 30th @ at the Civitan Club in Perth, sponsored by the Chiropractic Care and Longevity Center. Buffet dinner from 6-8PM and dance from 7-11PM. Dance the night away to the music styling of Kevin Carnrite. Proceeds of this year's event will be going to the Great War Memorial hospital to purchase lifesaving equipment. Tickets are $30 or 2 for $50 at Chiropractic Care and Longevity Center on Gore St. in Perth

Studio Theatre Presents

Hamish in April Studio Theatre Perth does a Highland fling into Spring with the lively comedy, “Hamish.”

Family history comes alive when Kelli plans a trip, for she and her husband Gordon to visit his ancestral home in Scotland. Neither is prepared when they discover a “haunted” past they never knew existed, and the strong ties that bind them to a legacy of family and true love.

Award-winning playwright Michael Grant has written a modern Scots-Canadian legend that’s sure to entertain and beguile. Rival clans, kilts, and a motley Highland crew bring heartwarming hilarity to a play that brims with Scottish wit and spirit. In the words of director Sheila Jasiak, “Hamish is a love story, not between a man and a woman, but between family… knowing that you can’t go ahead in life

THE PERTH PULSE | Issue #2- 2019 7

without really knowing where you came from.”

Hamish runs from April 4th – 14th. Evening shows: 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees: 2:00 pm. Advance tickets are $24 at Tickets Please in the Matheson House Museum Visitor Centre and at the Studio Theatre on show nights. Student discount available with ID. Save $5 on opening night! Visit studiotheatre.com for more details.

Article by: Dana Ruprecht

PHOTO CAPTION:

In rehearsal for Studio Theatre’s production of Hamish. (L-R): Dana Ruprecht, Mark Daley, Jerry Logan, Alan Humphreys.

Perth Fashion Week

April 1-12 enjoy a Champagne High Tea at Crossroads Tearoom with your favorite local shops showing off their spring and summer fashions. April 2nd – Ever After Bridal, April 3rd – Shadowfax and Fashion Envy April 4th, Streve Design April 5th – Penny’s Closet April 10th – Lavender and Lace, April 11th – Fall River Fashions and April 12th – Flint and Honey and Likkuid Sole. Tickets for sale at Crossroads

Tearoom and all participating stores.

Welcome to Margaritaville!

Saturday, June 22nd, we will be hosting the party of the year at the Crystal Palace in Perth. Pre-party starts @ 5:00 pm with games, giveaways & a Cheeseburger in Paradise contest. We will be inviting our downtown restaurants to enter their best burgers, to determine who makes Perth's best cheeseburger? We have also reached out to our downtown restaurants to see if any would be interested in being vendors during the evening dance.

Lots more details to come in the coming months.

BIA Committee or Board meetings in the month of March

All BIA members are welcome to attend any meeting.

Stewart Park Festival Committee Tuesday, March 12th @ 6 p.m. at the Perth Tea Room

Downtown Environment Committee Tuesday, March 12th @ 8:30 a.m. in the Kent Room of the Perth Town Hall

Promotion Committee Thursday, March 7th & March 14th @ 8:00 a.m. in the Kent Room of the Town Hall.

BIA Board Meeting

Wednesday, March 27th @ 8:00 in the POA Courtroom. All are welcome to attend.

The BIA office will be closed for vacation from March 19 – March 27.

The BIA office will be open on March 28 & 29.

The BIA office will be closed from April 1 - 3 for staff to attend the OBIAA Conference in Ottawa.

BIA office will re-open on April 4th.