The Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the local retail community, today announced “Shop the Village,” an experiential and Instagrammable initiative designed to bring people back to the West Village during June 2021 and beyond, after many months of not being able to fully enjoy and participate in New York City’s vibrant downtown community.
According to an April 2021 report from the Office of the New York State Comptroller, tourism to New York City fell 67% in 2020, and various estimates suggest hundreds of thousands of residents fled due to COVID-19, both factors having significant economic, social and cultural impact. Now, with vaccinations rising and temperatures getting warmer, allowing for more time outdoors, people are excited to have fun, return to activities they enjoy and support the city they love; with businesses eager to welcome them back.
“The West Village has long been known as a downtown cultural hub, with New Yorkers and visitors alike charmed and energized by the myriad of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, beautiful tree-lines streets and historic architecture,” says Maria Diaz, Executive Director, The Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. “That spirit is still very much alive and well. We want to kick off Summer by welcoming people to this eclectic neighborhood with an ongoing series of happenings and events, reminding everyone of all the area has to offer, while helping restore foot traffic and revenue to our beloved local establishments.”
“It’s inspiring to see brands and business owners collaborate together for the collective good of this amazing neighborhood,” adds Emma Taylor, Vice President, North America, Reiss. “Bleecker Street, where one of our leading NYC stores is located, is the heart of West Village that I can’t wait to see come to life in the coming weeks and months. We want to highlight these amazing neighborhood businesses who have navigated such a tough year and celebrate by bringing the west village to life throughout June. Everyone coming together to collaborate on such an exciting initiative like Shop the Village has been an unexpected but welcome dose of positivity.”
With a vision to provide dynamic business and civic leadership in New York City, GVCCC offers innovative and effective programs through advocacy, education, networking and promotion for the community at large, businesses and consumers alike. Building on the success of prior efforts like #ShopBleecker and Art on the Ave, Shop the Village will feature activities including live music, art exhibitions, enhanced pop-up food vendors & restaurant deals, fitness and yoga, interactive kids’ activities and curated retail events!
Starting the weekend of Saturday, June 5th– Sunday, June 6th, and continuing each weekend in June thereafter, most shops will have extended hours. Bleecker Street will be closed between 7th Avenue and Bank Street. Follow Shop the Village on Instagram.
#ShopTheVillage #GVCCC
About the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce ~ For over 70 years, the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce (GVCCC) has served as the leading voice of business in our communities. Founded in 1949 by a select group of small business entrepreneurs in Greenwich Village, the Chamber has steadily grown to service Greenwich Village, Chelsea, SoHo, NoHo, Union Square, Flatiron, as well as the East and West Villages. With membership ranging from sole proprietorships to locally owned independent businesses, to major institutions and organizations, diversity is one of our greatest assets, providing our membership with unique opportunities and a strong voice from which to address business issues. We offer numerous benefits and services including networking opportunities, business and educational seminars, government advocacy, marketing and promotional campaigns and much more.