Set to open next month, selling an array of products made in St. Pete, a goal of “The St. Pete Store” is to offer small local businesses the opportunity to feature their work and products in a very high-traffic area of downtown St. Petersburg (across from the acclaimed Sundial complex, housed adjacent to the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, and alongside St. Pete’s official Visitor Center).
It’s another opportunity to tell the story of St. Pete, and to drive traffic to local shops, galleries and other attractions, as described by the Chamber’s Chris Steinocher and Kristina Alspaw in a recent event with partners. “A taste of St. Pete, and a showroom for some of the cool things happening here.”
The St. Pete Store is a product of many collaborators, led by the Chamber, and financed with support from the City, as well as the local CVB. Client PJ Callaghan Construction provided renovation design and construction services at cost.
Even with work still underway, the store has already sold more t-shirts in the past 2 weeks than it had in the past 6 months, reported Alspaw.
A couple attendees expressed concern about the consignment arrangement, indicating it’s not going to fit everybody’s business model. But for many, it’s a prime marketing opportunity that will be in front of many residents, many businesses leaders, and many visitors from across the country and the planet.
Items are selected by a jury of local pros and will include info about the makers – “the people behind the products.”