Small Businesses Benefit from Redesign Seminar

More than 30 Uptown business owners attended a Small Business Design Seminar on March 2 to receive tips and explore trends designed to enhance storefront presentation and increase the bottom line. Two experts in the field of retail design shared strategies to help store and restaurant owners boost business.

Andrew McQuilkin, Chief Strategic Design Officer at BHDP Architecture, specializes in retail design, store planning and branding. McQuilkin asked attendees to consider ways to differentiate their businesses through lighting, signage and personality while keeping in mind customer base and competition.

Diane Agricola, an experienced interior redesigner and owner of Agricola Redesign LLC, offered suggestions to make businesses more open and welcoming. Prior to the seminar, one Uptown business was selected to undergo a complete redesign. Agricola and staff completed the redesign at d. Raphael in Clifton and showcased the before and after photos at the seminar.

The Uptown Consortium and the Hamilton County Development Company hosted the event that brought together business owners from neighborhoods across Uptown including Avondale, Clifton, Corryville and CUF. Since the event, the Business Retention program concluded its consulting work in CUF (Clifton, University and Fairview Heights) and progressed to its next focus area of Avondale.