Lessons in marketing downtown Sandpoint

A recent letter by Steve Krawczyk suggests that the Idaho Transportation Department close the new overpass to all vehicles except commercial trucks. His concern is that Sandpoint businesses will suffer if everyone can bypass our fine city.

I not sure making motorists drive though downtown will enhance their desire to shop locally. Does a merchant stamp a person’s hand when they spend money? Does the customer save the receipt so they can get out of town? What happens if they drive though and don’t shop?? Can we initiate an exit tax? We could have toll booths at various points in the city and if you can’t prove you have spent some money, you have to pay an exit fee. This fee could be divided up among the downtown businesses according to square footage, some of it could even go to SPOT to finance more free rides around town.

Obviously marketing is not Steve’s strong suit. I have a suggestion to keep people from bypassing. Have the downtown businesses offer competitive pricing, product availability, attractive hours of operation and last, but not least, common sense marketing. Most of them already do this.

I believe that if a person wants to shop Sandpoint, they will find us. If not, no amount of heavy handedness will change their mind. This bypass was paid for by taxpayers, not just downtown businesses. If Mr. Krawczyk is a local business owner experiencing a downturn in business, I think I know why.

BILL LITSINGER

Sandpoint