Editor:
Re: South Delta businesses gather to strategize as landscape poised to change, Feb. 13
Right on! South Delta merchants need signage. Perhaps a compelling message to deter mega mall competitors?
South Delta merchants are well supported. There's the Ladner Business Association and the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association. It's time for both to aggressively promote and save our retailers.
A year after construction began both malls may be having trouble attracting tenants ... at least ones willing to sign up 15 months before opening. One mall claims South Delta is an affluent community "and this area is currently under serviced by retailers, forcing residents to commute to surrounding municipalities for shopping needs." Prospective tenants may be seduced by such claims.
If mall representations are false, counter them. Promote your assessment of the South Delta market. Question the wisdom of added competition. Do it now. When malls open, it'll be too late.
The malls have a promotional sign at the northwest corner of 52nd Street and Highway 17. How about a sign on the southeast corner?
SOUTH DELTA MERCHANTS! Convenient access, attractive locations, comprehensively stocked, and enjoying large and loyal clientele. All tied together with some catchy theme. Tsawwassen and Ladner; THE place to shop for all your needs! Whatever's truthful?
The associations need to polish their message, whatever it is, and get it out there now for potential mall competitors to ponder and fear.
Ed Ries
