Savvy shoppers are welcome downtown

Downtown Abbotsford is trying to put its best foot forward.

A joint venture – between Tourism Abbotsford, Vancouver Coast & Mountains tourism marketing region, the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, and 16 downtown businesses – has resulted in the launch of a promotional campaign that includes a photo rich brochure and colourful new website.

The “Utopia for the Savvy Shopper” campaign, created and designed by Abbotsford’s own Rebar Creative and Circle Graphics, gives downtown Abbotsford an appealing profile.

“These enviable marketing tools are another example of history in the making for historic downtown Abbotsford. With the unprecedented pace of revitalization we are experiencing in the downtown, the brochure and website are very timely and we are thrilled with how beautifully they mirror the renewed vibrancy in this historic area,” said ADBA executive director Ingrid Epp.

“This is a great place to visit and we’re ready to welcome the world to this perfect meld of past and present.”

Donna Bernard, manager of sales and marketing for Tourism Abbotsford, sees the new brochure and website as wonderful tools to boost her efforts to bring more visitors into the city.

“We’ve had some tremendous feedback from tourists who have wandered into the downtown area and been amazed by what they’ve found. It’s definitely time to start tooting our horn about the success of the revitalization efforts, and just how unique and interesting this area has become,” said Bernard.

The brochure mentions many shop keepers by name and tells visitors they will be “as welcome as tulips in springtime.” It tries to encourage locals and tourist alike to discover the unique combination of popular brand name products, specialty items, and restaurants, in a relaxing atmosphere full of character and history.

The new brochure has been distributed to 11,500 Abbotsford residences as well as Visitor Information Centers locally and throughout BC.

The promotion is currently limited to the 16 inaugural partners, however others can join in the cooperative marketing program in July by contacting the ADBA.

For more information, check out the new website at www.downtownabbotsford.com.

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