If you are of a certain generation in Superior, you remember how Tower Avenue was before the 1970s: a variety of shops – large department stores and small boutiques, cafes peppered throughout which offered a quick meal at the counter or a meal served at your table. There was activity. We would go downtown just to window shop and see the people.
The 1970s brought a change to downtowns across the country with businesses moving to malls outside of the traditional business area. Downtowns lost their vibrancy. Yet, as we remember about change, “What goes around, comes around.”
Now, people are looking for that more intimate shopping and dining experience in safe, attractive areas. With its updated design, new shops and restaurants, the Superior Business Improvement has brought new life to Tower Avenue and Belknap Street and encourages you to come and explore what it has to offer.
In order to entice you to re-discover the district, the SBID creates a variety of activities throughout the year that promote both special sales and a chance to re-connect with fellow shoppers. Recently, businesses within the district participated in the Superior Spooktacular Parade and Pub Crawl coordinated by Goin’ Postal. The Superior BID also hosted Trick or Treat in the District with more than 70 SBID businesses offering treats, partially closing Tower Avenue so the youngsters could fill their bags safely.
On November 22, SBID sponsored Pink Friday, which promotes businesses owned and operated by women. Small businesses like Kindred Stone, Weeping Willows, Mixed Cosmetics, emFATic, Empire Coffee, 2540 Coffee Shop, Angie’s Closet, Superior Waffles, and the various salons will be offering customers special deals. Throughout the district there will be selfie stations where you can create your own photos and put them on social media. Customers will also have an opportunity to register to win gift baskets.
Shop Small Superior Week will run November 30 through December 7. A special trolley will run from 10 am until 4 pm, taking customers throughout the district. Shoppers can pick up their Shop Hop cards and get them stamped at participating businesses. After gathering five stamps, the business will take them, putting them into a drawing where you will have a chance to win $150, $100 or $75 in Bid Bucks – which work as well as money in any SBID business.
November 29 was the Holiday Tree Lighting in Center City Park. Families were invited to celebrate the lighting of the city tree, as well as the lights along Tower and Belknap. SBID provided coffee, cocoa and glow sticks to add to the celebration. There were also drawings for gift baskets provided by various SBID businesses.
Decorate the District is happening December 1-15. People are encouraged to walk the district, looking at the different window and store decorations that participating businesses have created, as well as vote for their favorite. The winning business will be announced on December 16, and will receive a special trophy to proudly display! This will also be the perfect time to take a slow drive down Tower and Belknap, taking in all the holiday lights.
The Superior Business Improvement District will participate in the city-wide Ice Festival on January 24-25. Different Arts and Crafts vendors will be set up in district businesses. Just like the Shop Hop cards from Small Business Week, shoppers will be able to participate in the Snowball Scramble with the chance to win special prizes.
Yes, by the time this article is published, some of the events may have already happened. I share these with you so you can mark your 2025 calendars, preparing for the coming year. More importantly, I share these events to show you that the Superior Business Improvement District actively promotes not only its own district, but the City of Superior. Events aren’t only scheduled during the fall and winter holiday months, they occur throughout the year.
“Working with our promotion committee,” executive director Kelly Peterson stated, “you never know what great idea will come up. What you can be assured of is that it will be fun and bring the unexpected!”
She added, “Our businesses, and most importantly, the people behind these businesses are the backbone of our community. They work to create valuable destinations for our residents and visitors alike. What’s good for the SBID is good for Superior and Douglas County. And the converse of this also holds true.”
So, join the Superior Business Improvement District and participate in the different events that happen throughout the year. You will not only benefit with savings, you will be promoting everything Superior has to offer!
For more details please visit our website superiorbid.com, and our social media: Facebook, Insta, and Tik Tok SuperiorBID.
Gary Banker is a member of the Superior Business Improvement District board of directors.
