Tarpon Springs merchants are hoping to draw more people downtown with later hours, discounts and refreshments twice a month.
By JILL ANN PERRINO
Published August 5, 2005
TARPON SPRINGS - Say Tarpon Springs, and most people think Sponge Docks.
But the businesses in the Tarpon Springs Historic Downtown Business District think otherwise.
Starting tonight and continuing every first Friday and second Saturday of each month, local businesses will host an arts and antiques stroll with later hours, discounts and refreshments.
Merchants hope the promotion will draw more people to shop downtown, especially those who work during the day.
"I've been told, "Your stores close at 5, but I get off work at 5,"' said Bob Shaak of Antique Treasures. He thinks the extra evening hours twice a month will not only bring those who know about him but can't get there in time, but will draw new shoppers from Tarpon Springs and surrounding cities. As an extra incentive, Shaak plans to offer discounts.
Shopkeepers hope the event will bring needed exposure. "People just don't know about us," said Jackie Payne, owner of two antique shops in the district and a member of the Tarpon Springs Business Alliance, which created the event.
She hopes the event will draw people out to see what downtown has to offer. Once there, Payne hopes, they will be motivated to shop and conduct business in Tarpon Springs before going outside the city.
"It will be good to see more people downtown at night," said Skip Larson of Antiques Forever. "It will be a long day for us, but it will give local people a chance to shop."
Edward Ejk of Victorian Ivy is excited that downtown will be hosting evening events. He said he has hosted several successful evening events himself, including author signings and meet-the-artist parties. "Now I won't be the only one," he said.
Owners of businesses that are typically already open at night, such as bars and restaurants, say the added exposure will draw extra business for them as well.
Joe Pianese, who owns Greek Pizza Kitchen with his wife Yasmin, envisions people shopping downtown and then staying there for dinner. "This is an outstanding enrichment to the local community," he said.
ART OF STROLLING
The Tarpon Springs Historic Downtown Business District's Arts & Antiques Stroll will be the first Friday and the second Saturday of each month, with stores open till 8 p.m. The event starts tonight and continues through Dec. 10. Call (727) 942-4675.
