Event producers are naturally creative and industrious people, but this past year has brought out our most innovative problem solving under the most extreme pressure. When our world was stuck indoors, producers found ways to pivot into the digital world quickly and efficiently with stellar virtual events. When states began to reopen and people could meet safely outdoors in small groups and at a safe distance, producers found ways to limit restaurant patrons and wedding attendees. We are constantly evolving, and we continue to do so.

New York City has recently allowed business owners to think creatively in a new way, and they’ve developed the “Open Storefront” initiative. This allows ground-floor businesses to engage in outdoor retail on New York’s sidewalks and/or roadways in front of the individual establishments from October 30 to the end of December, and it’s opening up a new world of possibilities. 

• The Details of NYC’s “Open Storefront” Initiative 

New York’s “Open Storefront” initiative allows businesses, “predominantly involved in the sale of goods directly to the public,” to acquire the certification needed to expand their business outdoors and onto the sidewalk. It doesn’t just apply to a typical retail store, but can also be expanded to include repair stores, personal care services, and dry-cleaning and laundry services to utilize outdoor for safe, additional seating, queuing, or dry good display.

The important prerequisite qualifying a “ground floor storefront” business is any that is directly accessible from the street and has store frontage on the sidewalk. But this new initiative offers businesses an opportunity to place objects on sidewalks, but they must be up against the wall of the business or as close as possible and leave an 8-foot space for pedestrians to pass. Additionally, merchandise placed outside cannot exceed 5' in height above the level of the sidewalk. Open Storefront hours of operation can be from 8am-11pm Mondays through Saturdays, and 10am-11pm on Sundays.

New York City does not charge any fees to apply to the program, and the application can easily be submitted online - so if you’re ready this and it applies to you, fill out your application today!

• The Essential Element: Custom Fabrications 

This is a promising step for New York City businesses to create opportunities for growth and survival, especially as the winter pushes more consumers inside. But in order to take full advantage of this opportunity, your organization will need to be mindful of how to navigate an Open Storefront design. Luckily, Wizard Studios has the expertise to guide your thinking and execution, and it begins with considering the versatility of custom fabrications.

Simply putting out some shelving units is not what’s going to draw attention and engagement to your business. Allow our scenic shop and its professional artisans to take your brand’s identity, create original and masterful sets, props, and environments to enhance consumers’ experience,  and allow us to make sure everything created abides by the city’s rules and regulations. 

• Engagement is the Name of the Game

Our company believes that experiences are everything, and so any good custom fabrication is going to invite consumers to enjoy a long-lasting and memorable experience. Set your Open Storefront design apart and make sure it’s a versatile experience from start to finish.

Although immersive spaces are ideal for interaction, even outdoors consumers might still feel that getting too close is cutting it too close for comfort. Needless to say, an immersive experience that doesn’t take into consideration people’s wellbeing and safety could be counterproductive to your business’s growth, and ultimately play a role in making consumers associate your business with feeling unsafe - and nobody wants that!

Focus on convenience and the freedom to move. Prioritize the visual qualities of your brand while allowing consumers to keep the distance makes them feel the safest. This way, consumers can not only see your Open Storefront from a block away, but begin to be intrigued by what it can offer. Once they feel invited to step through the experience, engage them with custom fabrications that compliment your business’ brand and design. Consumers will be blown away to be re-introduced to your brand in a whole new light. 

New York City’s Open Storefront initiative could be an important step for any ground-level business ready to burst back onto the scene. But to do it well, you’ll need to enlist the help of the professionals, and Wizard Studios is one of the best. Turn your store front into a safely executed immersive experience, and contact the custom fabrication pros at Wizard Studios today!