First Friday

As consumer America has grown and developed, mom and pop stores have had to struggle to compete with huge conglomerates like Walmart, large grocery store chains, and malls.  The convenience and vast selection of merchandise these larger companies offer to customers has made the customers rethink how valuable small businesses are.  These large companies have the benefit of economies of scale and the ability to have lower price points.  In order to get more people in their stores, small businesses are banding together with other small businesses to help stimulate their economy and compete with the big box retailers. These small businesses provide unique products and shopping experiences that have value to many customers - but the problem is the customer doesn't know that the companies exist or that they provide something unique.

This is how First Friday was born on the SouthSide.  Every month the businesses get together and create promotions and provide entertainment to lure customers into their stores.  I loved hearing from the business owner of Cleo's and his perspective on why First Friday is important, even essential to their business and getting their name out there.  It is a great opportunity for local people to get to know and support the local businesses who make their community a better place to live.  My experience with First Friday has been quite enjoyable and introduced me to many new opportunities and companies right down the street where I live.  I've discovered new restaurants through First Friday and became a loyal customer to select establishments.  The promotions offered entice me further to see what cool new products are available at Apotheca, Home & Planet, and the like.

What I found most interesting with the community members who are involved with First Friday is that they have been trying to cater to Lehigh students for years but have been unsuccessful in capturing their attention.  I can understand how this has been a huge problem and I was contemplating ways to fix it.  Unfortunately the Lehigh population is incredibly apathetic about and uninterested in the SouthSide and all the culture it offers.  It disheartens me to know that these businesses have really tried to reach out to the Lehigh population, but just can't seem to penetrate.  I also found it interesting that a large barrier for communication between the students and the businesses is the University itself.  As an institution, they should be promoting the local business and economy, because as they prosper the University will become more attractive to incoming students.

Overall,  I feel as though First Friday is a fantastic program that really helps the community get to know and support their local business owners.  That culture is priceless and other small cities should take note from Bethlehem's efforts to engage their community and promote their local economy.  If more cities tried to instill this type of programing, the small business owner would have more of a chance when competing with the bigger chain companies!