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Best Retail Practices Program
The Best Retail Practices Program assists Cambridge retailers and restaurant owners with building stronger customer bases to boost sales. Components of the program include a free workshop, individual in-store consultations and financial assistance to business owners seeking to improve the interior appearance of their establishments, as well as their marketing efforts.
The Best Retail Practices Program offers three different types of assistance:
- Part 1 - Free Workshop: Participants learn about consumer and retail trends, strengths and opportunities in Cambridge, and best practices in store/restaurant design and marketing to help their businesses look their best and improve their marketing strategy. This 2½-hour workshop, usually held in the spring and fall of the year, is delivered by expert retail consultants and opened to all Cambridge retailers and restaurateurs, free of charge. Pre-registration is required. To learn more about workshop registration visit the Economic Development Workshops page.
- Part II - In-Store Consultation: Offered to participants of Part I who meet certain eligibility requirements. Check the eligibility guidelines. Eligible participants meet with the expert retail consultants one-on-one at their own business locations. Owners receive practical advise from the consultants addressing individual needs for improving store design and marketing, and the consultants make recommendations for specific, mutually- agreed-upon improvements, some of which are eligible for grant funds available in Part III.
- Part III - Grant Program: Offered to participants of Parts I and II. The program funds 80% of well-designed, pre-approved store or marketing improvements. Grants range from $2,500 to a maximum of $5,000 per business, subject to availability of funds.
For More Information
To receive more information about the Best Retail Practices Program or to pre-register for the free workshop , please contact Elaine Madden, emadden@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4618. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.
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