We are now accepting vendor applications for the Spring 2023 Sidewalk Saturday Season! Started in 2020 to support home-based and retail small businesses through the pandemic, Sidewalk Saturdays has morphed into a beloved community event embodying the Buy Local spirit. This popular maker’s market located on 3rd street in Downtown Morgan Hill, features anywhere from 15-25 vendors. The 12-week season occurs every Spring and Fall, between 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Learn more about Sidewalk Saturdays and submit your application HERE!
Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Coordinator Brittney Sherman at Brittney.sherman@morganhill.ca.gov
The only true constant in retail, is change. Never has that statement been truer than in the past three years. For years Susan Reda, National Retail Federation Vice President of Education Strategy, has been publishing an annual retail prediction report. Here is what she predicts will be in store for the retail industry in 2023:
-The metaverse blends the physical and virtual worlds via virtual reality headsets. The tech is there but the consumer comfort level is lagging years behind.
-Web3 takes the metaverse a step further, implementing digital currency, tokens, and rewards redeemable either virtually or physically.
-Retail media networks will continue to gain momentum, providing targeted marketing and additional revenue opportunities.
-AI will become a stronger tool in retail, using first party data to influence personalized marketing messages that yield tangible conversion results.
-Right-sized retail stores and partnerships across smaller brands will continue to lead the expansion race.
-Gen Z consumers are currently driving the retail transformation, valuing both digital and face-to-face retail models. However, Gen A consumers will number 2 billion by 2025 further prioritizing social media and relationship-based marketing.
-Greenwashing will result in brand suicide this year, so businesses need to double down and stand behind their sustainability efforts.
-Nearshoring has been met with success by startups looking to sidestep the next supply chain disaster. Large businesses will continue to follow lead and in some cases partner together on cargo and storage space, providing an alternate revenue stream and savings for all.
-The Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act looks to decrease retail theft and violence rates, which have been steadily growing over the years.
-Continued warnings of an impending recession could lead to customers pulling back on purchases. However, although the number of transactions might decrease, they won’t sacrifice the quality, value or durability of the items they will continue to purchase.
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) organizes several retail conferences every year, in locations worldwide. The City’s Economic Development Team attended the most recent conference in San Diego this past September. Here are some high-level takeaways:
The concepts behind “right-sizing” and “de-malling” are leading the retail industry, and “outdoors everything” is being coined as an anchor of the 21st Century. Nationwide shopping centers are undergoing a revitalization, centering around housing, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor space. Developers are anchoring their sites with residential and backfilling with a mix of retail, grocery, entertainment, and even medical activations. Shopping Center Brokers and leasing agents are now taking an active role in the marketing and advertising of retailers, providing monthly marketing packets and social media services focused on engagement not followers.
Larger Anchor retailers are “right sizing” with discounted brands such as Saks off 5th Ave, Macy’s Backstage, Nordstrom Rack, Forever 21, etc. Several discount brands are aggressively expanding, including Grocery Outlet and Five-Below who is aiming to triple its footprint over the next 3 years. Restaurants and fast-food chains continue to stress the importance of drive-thru and designated delivery/pick-up access. Buffalo Wild Wings just launched their “mini-scape” which is a pick-up only location. If a fast-food restaurant’s model doesn’t currently include expedited services, it will very soon.
All in all, the various retailers and brokers we spoke with were amazed with Morgan Hill’s residential and industrial growth. To some, we were a market they hadn’t previously considered, and to others we were already a market they were actively planning to expand into.
Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov
The Downtown District’s renaissance continues with the Groundbreaking of the Edes Building on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 11 a.m. Located at the southwest corner of Monterey Road and 2nd Street, the new art center will invigorate a central section in the Downtown District, merging art and community.
Calling all happy, fun, fragrance loving people! Bath & Body Works, located in the Cochrane Commons Shopping Center (Target), is holding a Hiring Event on September 21. With flexible schedules, a creative environment, and 40% product discounts, spaces are going to fill up quickly!
To apply, please visit the Morgan Hill store during normal business hours on September 21.
Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov
In this eNewsletter, you will find information about key efforts that impact our business community, including:
-Morgan Hill Feature Event in the Business Journal
-Significant Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Project Movie Reel
-Largest In-Person Hiring Fair To Date
-2022 Local Election Items
-Updated Downtown Restaurant, Retail, and Development Map
-Hotel Incentive Policy Revisions
-Sidewalk Saturdays Returns this Fall
-Carniceria Elite Meat Market, MOHI Farm, and Bath & Body Works
-Business Resources
Read the August 2022 eNewsletter HERE and reach out to the team if you have any questions or want to connect with us. Thank you for continuing to “Choose Morgan Hill.”
Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov
