Storefront Mastery - Our Story

Storefront Mastery

Your downtown, upgraded

Discover Storefront Mastery, the creative catalyst for visionary local businesses and the networks that back them.

storefrontmastery.com

We know you want your downtown to be a fabulous destination. To do that, you need to convince every streetfacing business that they are a hospitality business first, and start treating each customer as a guest.

The problem is that small businesses often don’t have the necessary bandwidth, the design or the marketing skills, which makes you feel powerless to help them create more value for them and for your downtown.

We believe that a collaborative strategy that pairs the top performing businesses with the struggling ones can help.

We understand that they have little time and they see the wonderful places they have created and want to do better, which is why we propose to sit them all down on a proper table to see how we can help.

Here’s how we do it: 1. Identify and categorize your local businesses to know which ones have the teachable experience and what kind of help the others need; 2. Get them together to show the struggling businesses what great service, design and hospitality feel like; and 3. Guide them to create great experiences that contribute to main street’s status as an attractive destination.

Let’s talk and set a date. In the meantime, check out our books and educational materials below, which can help local businesses design fabulous experiences.

You can stop closures and vacancies and instead transform your main street into the best version of itself, offering outstanding experiences to both locals and visitors.

our story

Storefront Mastery started in 2017 with the idea of celebrating local businesses who made their streets more beautiful.

Their contribution to the quality of public space was visible, and yet there was little documentation of their role in building up strong and sustainable local economies.

Knowledge in architecture, design, economic development and small business expertise evolved that idea to become a storefront placemaking and design service.

During the pandemic, we pivoted to building up the capacity of local organizations to coach small businesses, by focusing on the quality of their contributions to the downtown experience.

We are now a creative agency that brings solid knowledge of architecture, economics, Placemaking, product, service and experience design into a package that deeply transforms downtowns.

our partners

“Jaime’s guidance and supportive style allowed for a deeply transformational experience for our business.

Jaime’s deep world community experience, understanding and love shines through his work brilliantly.

Working with Jaime was a path of true evolution, transformation and deep creativity. It was truly joyful and powerful emotionally and from a pure value creation model.”

BEREKTI MENGISTU Mesob Restaurant Montclair, NJ

“To me, Jaime is a bit of a ‘horse whisperer’. I had an idea, and when I look at my store today, it is a pure expression of that.

Jaime was critical in the process of unlocking and transforming this idea, he listened and guided and what at first seemed overwhelming worked out great.

I’m so honored that he chose to work with me.”

EDNA EPELU Papillon & Company Metuchen, NJ

our toolkit

Design is important.

It can turn an ordinary store into a moneymaking, experiential machine.

The Ten No-B.S. Rules For Successful Storefront Design gives an overview of all the elements needed to design an engaging, legendary storefront.

The Playbook is a DIY Storefront Design Kit for Entrepreneurs who value beauty.

It helps them tell their story by using the storefront as an asset to build a legendary customer experience.

The toolkit helps business owners take their storefront design from concept to implementation, using their own expertise.

A sign defines the storefront, is the first impression of the brand and it’s likely that stores will have the wrong one.

In How To Choose The Perfect Sign, all the elements of a brand and a sign are broken down to help business owners choose the perfect brand design.

our system The Idea Factory system works with local organizations to match the passion and purpose of small businesses and local assets and history to create legendary downtown experiences.

Local businesses give a town its identity and character.

Together we can guide them to become the best version of themselves.

We rely on visual tools like the Storyfront Deck to help business owners reconnect with the inspiration to open up shop and build better interactions with the sidewalk, the block and the town.

Local organizations benefit from the renewed energy and contributions to the local economy made by local businesses.

our services Idea Factory An exceptional workshop designed to provide local organizations with innovative tools and tactics for creating legendary downtown experiences. Our comprehensive program delivers a robust set of recommendations encompassing strategic planning, branding, experience design, and public space interventions - all geared towards enhancing cohesion and attractiveness in your district.

Our unique approach examines the district as a whole, as well as its individual components. By addressing the various elements and identifying opportunities for intervention at both the district level and specific points within the district, we ensure that each action taken is highly effective. This holistic method leads to the resolution of larger issues, transforming your downtown area into a vibrant and thriving hub for existing and new businesses.

Storefront Accelerator An on-site or remote store assessment and recommendations, designed to coach business owners on utilizing the Storefront Mastery System to revolutionize their public-facing presence. We guide you in creating legendary customer experiences and support you through the implementation phase. Our process is design-focused but also incorporates elements of activation and fostering a dedicated, loyal customer base.

Our service helps you by providing the tools necessary to effectively translate your vision into a captivating store design or an innovative product. By harnessing your unique skills and knowledge as a business owner, we empower you to drive your store’s success and establish a lasting connection with your customers. Elevate your business with our expert guidance today.

Bespoke Consulting An in-depth on-site or virtual consultation, customized to assist municipalities, local organizations and developers in employing the Urban Mastery Blueprint for transformative places. We navigate you through crafting iconic urban experiences and remain your ally during the deployment phase. Our method draws from experience design while effortlessly weaving in retail planning, placemaking, and architectural design.

Our service arms you with the methodologies crucial to turn your aspirations into standout locations or pioneering projects. Drawing on your unique perspective and role, we fortify you to champion your project’s vision and foster a lasting impact with your target audience.

Creative Laboratories Our professional service is a game-changer for local business owners and main street/downtown directors alike. Our training programs provide comprehensive knowledge and tools for crafting effective business plans, innovative concepts, and eye-catching storefronts.

Through a blend of interactive workshops, educational modules, and expert-led seminars, our methodology empowers you to effectively narrate your business or community story. We focus on proven strategies for business planning, concept development, and store design. Whether you’re a business owner seeking to redefine your niche or a place manager aiming to guide local entrepreneurs, our program positions you as a key player in driving local economic growth.

Your downtown, upgraded

Storefront Mastery is available on Twitter. Facebook, Instagram, on our website or by email.

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hello@storefrontmastery.com