Downtown Greensboro has taken some public relations hits in recent years due to shootings in the streets, noise issues, pervasive panhandling, problems created by a large homeless population, a lack of parking in key spots and other concerns that have gotten a lot of publicity.
However, downtown also, of course, has its charms; and the advocates for downtown – such as Downtown Greensboro Inc. – hope that a new marketing campaign will shine a positive light on the area where many choose to live, work, play and celebrate.
In order to continue attracting residents and visitors to downtown restaurants, bars, apartment complexes, stores and other venues, Downtown Greensboro Inc. is partnering with local creative individuals and businesses to develop a multi-channel marketing campaign meant to showcase the very best of downtown.
The campaign is designed to highlight the “authentic experiences” of downtown Greensboro, and it’s using the tagline “See for Yourself” to call attention to the “unique charm and energy” of the city’s center.
The highly integrated and varied marketing campaign for the city’s downtown will feature a mix of print, billboards, TV, streaming, social media and digital advertising.
Zack Matheny, the president and CEO of Downtown Greensboro Inc. – and therefore, of course, downtown’s biggest advocate – said this week that visitation numbers are great right now but he and his organization want to see them grow even more.
“While we have all-time-high visitation numbers downtown with more than 8.6 million visits recorded last year, we’re not stopping there,” Matheny said. “In partnership with local artists and businesses, Downtown Greensboro Inc. has launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign showcasing authentic downtown experiences to attract even more people to our dynamic Center City.”
Matheny added, “In a world of ever-increasing Artificial Intelligence, the campaign encourages people to taste, celebrate, create and discover what’s real in downtown Greensboro.”
Which is somewhat ironic since the campaign does use a significant amount of AI.
The “See for Yourself” campaign was developed largely with local talent, including local marketing agency Emisare, a campaign concept and ad creation company.
Video spots for the campaign were made with the help of long-time area producer VanderVeen Photographers – with Glasbear and Paul B Video managing the cinematography and editing.
The campaign also features music by local artist J. Timber and voiceover work from Greensboro native Kate Middleton.
Timber said it’s been a real honor to work on this campaign.
“I’m beyond grateful as downtown has been a huge part of my growth as a musician and person in the world,” Timber said.
According to a description of the initiative sent out by Downtown Greensboro, “Utilizing cutting-edge generative AI technology, the campaign merges imaginative concepts with authentic scenes, ensuring the visuals reflect the city’s spirit through characters’ glasses. The immersive video content showcases the businesses and people that make each experience unique and special.”
From enjoying the fine dining in “Taste What’s Real,” to exploring the creative maker spaces in “Create What’s Real” – and enjoying memorable moments with friends and loved ones in “Celebrate What’s Real” – the campaign attempts to capture those things that make downtown Greensboro special and exciting.
You can learn more about the interactive campaign by pointing your browser at the website www.dtwngso.com.
According to Downtown Greensboro Inc., the city’s downtown already has a lot going for it, including…
- $800 million in the development pipeline
- 155 companies – a fact that’s described as “a testament to the vibrant economic ecosystem thriving in the heart of the city.”
- More than 17,000 workers who “represent a diverse array of talents and expertise, each contributing their unique skills to the fabric of our urban center.”
As a frequent visitor to our city’s downtown area, I have witnessed its vibrant evolution over the years. The bustling restaurants, lively bars, and unique shops paint an inviting picture, promising a good time for both residents and visitors alike. Yet, amidst the charm and excitement, it becomes glaringly evident that our downtown environment could benefit significantly from improved lighting and enhanced green spaces.
Nothing will help until the homeless problem is addressed and solved.
We shall see but for now this is not a comfortable place for me to visit on a consistent basis. I wish them well in their endeavors.
Greensboro – send all your homeless here!
Putting a shine to this place is like painting over lead-based paint with water-based. I am nearly a life-time resident of Greensboro. Our last home here is now on the market. We will be moving to Randolph County. If we were younger, would leave the U.S.
Downtown is “authentic” all right.
I used to like to stop for a couple of beers at downtown bars & restaurants, but now I can never find a parking place, so I don’t bother any more.
For example, I could park right in front of Gray’s Tavern (an excellent establishment) but they’ve blocked off all the spaces with great big planters, making it impossible to park outside.
Hey “Dear Leaders”, if you want to make parking as difficult and frustrating as possible, we just won’t bother at all with downtown.
I’ll tell you one thing in this town, and all over the country, are thrift stores masquerading as a charity.
Before I go any further see: shopgoodwill.com. And also various articles on line, such as on youtube.
Specifically, this is about Goodwill thrift stores, who get ALL their inventory as donations (free). Do they sell them at nominal prices just to fund their operation? No. Anything potentially profitable item is packaged off to a sorting warehouse where it is cataloged, and listed for auction online at their website. From a few dollars to thousands of dollars are sold. This one warehouse depicted on social media admitted to items getting up to $20,000, and more. Minimum bids start at $9.99. Unsold items are sold to re-sellers who sell on different platforms.
Having worked in Hawaii, some years ago, I got into the habit of wearing Aloha shirts year round, anywhere casual. Still do. I would go to Goodwill and find them @$2-3, some new ones still with store tags. Their price for shirts is now up to $5, and they have virtually none. Neither here nor in locations all over NC/SC. Auctions for Aloha shirts start @$9.99 for two or three shirts, they fetch more. They don’t have any stainless cookware, or anything else worth buying, literally, it’s all junk now.
Over the years, I had given them some very nice things, mostly clothes that were too small for me to wear. I specifically remember a Harris tweed jacket that was a VERY expensive item. And of course, the executives make some serious change. What a racket. How they got a designation as a charity is beyond me. There seems to be the same result @ the Salvation Army, all their stuff is junk that you should find in a dumpster.
don’t take my word for it. Check it out yourself.
I’m not going down there, even with a group.