Merchant Matters

Click here to see the slides from the second quarter merchant meeting. If you have any questions, please reach out to Meredith at meredith@downtownventura.org.

Did you miss the first quarter Merchant Meeting? Click here to see the slides. Feel free to reach out to Kevin or Meredith if you’d like more in depth details to the slides.

All Hands Merchant Meeting 8:30am Tuesday, Feb. 9 NOW Ventura Restaurant, 185 E. Santa Clara St.

Downtown is the hub for the best events in Ventura. Click here to see the schedule for 2016. Some events haven’t publicized their dates yet. We will be updating the calendar as applicable. If you have any questions about a specific event, please don’t hesitate to contact Kevin or Meredith. Mark your calendars. We know all or portions of … Continued

We apologize for the technical difficulties at the September Merchant Meeting. Please click here to see the slides that were discussed. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call us at any time. Kevin@downtownventura.org Meredith@downtownventura.org Click here to see a calendar of all upcoming events through the end of the year.

June 27 & 28: Roadshow Revival – Mission Park July 4: Street Fair and Push ‘Em Pull ‘Em Parade – Throughout Downtown July 18-19: ArtWalk – Throughout Downtown August 5-16: Ventura County Fair – Fairgrounds August 8: Fair Parade – Main Street August 28-30: Central Coast Comic Con – Fairgrounds August 29: Golden Lawn Conservation Expo – 500 … Continued

We want to feature you in Downtown Ventura’s social media “Think Local” campaign. This will showcase your store or restaurant/bar to over 13,500 followers! Here is what we need: a few pictures to promote your business, a simple description of you, your personality, what is important or unique about your business or store, and your … Continued

 2015 is upon us, promising big things, including your opportunity to get involved with the DVP Board of Directors. As you know, the improvement district was recently renewed for 5 years, though 2019. This property owners’ association will continue to be governed by an 11-person board. Seven board members must be real property owners in … Continued

If you love the Winter Wine Walk, then you will love Champagne on Main. This new, daytime event will largely mirror the footprint of the Wine Walk, with the tasting locations inside your stores. We are excited to have another opportunity to bring thousands of spenders into your shops. We want to have at least … Continued

The 27th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be gracing Downtown on March 14, starting at 10am. The theme this year is “Honoring our Troops” and Jeff Gorell is the Grand Marshall. If you’d like to participate in the parade, please register by clicking here. Otherwise, just be ready for a great morning in Downtown filled with … Continued

Starting a business from zero is always a bit scary and risky. Businesses have to consider their finances for so many purposes, ranging from survival in bad times to bolstering the next success in good ones. How you finance your business can affect many different factors. That’s why it is always important to meet with … Continued

Sign up now to be a Winter Wine Walk tasting location. Contact Kevin or Meredith to get the ABC application and if you have any questions.

DVP Operations Manager Robert Vasquez (805) 258-1902 DVP Team Leader Jesus Vasquez – weekends (805) 861-8964 Police Non-Emergency Line(805) 650-8010 Graffiti Removal Hotline (805) 654-7805  

American Express Small Business Saturday is a great promotion that encourages people to shop local on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We are working to expand deals to others who don’t have American Express cards. If you would like to offer something special to people who mention “Small Business Saturday” or are using reusable Ventura bags, … Continued

If you see suspicious activity, please call the police 911 or non-emergency at 650-8010. If there’s individual loitering inside or outside your business, you can contact Robert (805) 258-1902, Kevin (805) 302-1660 or Meredith (805) 641-1090. No one can lie down or sit or have their belongings on the sidewalk, despite what they may say. … Continued

City Council voted 7-0 to finalize the license agreement for a pilot concert series in 2015 above City Hall. These concerts have great potential to contribute to the economic development and vitality of our beautiful city.

Let’s decorate Downtown for the holiday season! Downtown purchases Poinsettia’s at a great discount from our local Rotary. Each plant is $13 or you may purchase a case of 6 for $55. Orders have to be made the last week of November. Please contact Meredith if you are interested.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Petula Clark’s famous song Downtown. One of the memorable lines in the song is everything is waiting for you, which is the inspiration for our next Downtown advertising campaign.We are refreshing a successful past campaign that highlighted Downtown business owners and the goods they sell. After all, … Continued

Would you like to house a scarecrow for two weeks in October? Local elementary schools create life-size scarecrows which Downtown then showcases. This is a fantastic connection of our community to Downtown. The scarecrows are voted on, which brings families of the students who created them into your store. If you’d like to be a … Continued

DVP currently has 10 large panels available on the Big Belly Trash/Recycling units for advertising, and two more will be available in December. See the picture below. Rates range from $150-$250 depending on placement. If you are interested, please email Meredith for details!

Classics on the Coast Car Show – Saturday, September 6 on Main Street This classics car show on Sept. 6 will run on Main Street from Ventura Avenue to Fir Street near the new Baby Stroller Center. Main Stret will be closed at 6am and not reopen until 5pm. The event runs from 9am-3pm. Last … Continued

Downtown Ambassador of the Year: Anacapa Brewing Co. Downtown Merchant Volunteer of the Year: Jen Livia – Red Brick Gallery Best Storefront: Iron & Resin Best Window Display: The Refill Shoppe Best Makeover: GP Real Estate Best Customer Service: Spice-Topia Downtown Merchant of the Year: Spice-Topia Downtown MVP: Mark Hartley Best Restaurant: Lure Fish House … Continued

The DVO is proud to introduce the 2nd annual “Junipero Serra Awards,” soon to be known and beloved as the “Juni’s.” The purpose of these awards is to honor and celebrate our diverse and passionate Downtown merchants and businesses, with the awards voted on and chosen by you, the Downtown community. Click here to begin voting. … Continued