Roosevelt Row decided to try something different with its shops this summer in the form of Vampire Hours, the late-night business program that came to an end Sept. 1.
Using the slogan, “When the sun goes down, Roosevelt Row comes to life” for their new summer program, Roosevelt Row wanted the public to embrace the heat and create a social energy that extends into the night by keeping businesses in the area open later.
The idea of Vampire Hours came about from the Roosevelt Row Merchants Association. Greg Esser, board vice president of Roosevelt Row CDC explained that this summer was only the beginning.
“We planted the seed of the idea this summer and I think as we roll into next summer, we are planning on some more targeted events,” he said. “It’s something that has the potential to really grow for the community.”
Places like JoBot Coffee, Made art boutique, Bud’s Glass Joint and Phoenix Public Market, as well as many other Fifth and Sixth Street shops, decided to participate in Vampire Hours, giving the community a variety of stores to browse and places to eat after sunset.
Some of the businesses along Roosevelt Row already had later hours, but this was an opportunity for surrounding shops to stay open and get the crowds coming at night as well.
In the summer, as the temperature rises, people are more reluctant to come out during the day. Esser explained that these local businesses have the same cost of operation in the summer months with reduced revenue.
As the Vampire Hours program wound down, there was a question as to whether changing the hours of these businesses made a difference.
Vintage shop Black N Blue saw customers coming in during the late hours more than usual. Mandy Sirochman, an employee of Black N Blue had insight as to why the business decided to participate.
“We promote anything that goes on in the community and we definitely want to be a part of it,” she said.
Esser measures success by the reaction of community members and those who visit.
Stephanie Vasquez, owner of Fair Trade Cafe on Roosevelt, has been downtown for eight years. She too has kept longer hours and has seen an increase of traffic over the years.
“It has definitely increased steadily, as more and more businesses open up downtown,” Vasquez said. “You’ll see more foot traffic in evenings now.”
As for the future of Vampire Hours, Esser sees it expanding in the years to come and used First Fridays as an example of the growth in store for the community.
“It’s something that evolved every year. More and more businesses got involved which led to its growth into what is now one of the largest art walks in the United States,” Esser said.
According to Esser, starting small with a group of people with a similar mindset has proven to be the key to success in the community. Vampire Hours is just another idea that they will incorporate to keep the community vibrant and full of character, he said.
“Next year, there’s going to be a lot more to look forward to including marketing and promotions that will benefit anybody that is wearing vampire teeth,” he said.
Contact the reporter at ruby.ramirez96@gmail.com
