FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Farmington Hills just launched a shop local campaign to remind everyone that the more than 70 businesses in the area are open, accessible, and need people to support despite the construction.
Visit 14 Mile and Orchard Lake Roads in Farmington Hills now until November, and you’ll hear a lot of horns and see the words “Open During Construction” in big, bold letters a few times.
The project is an adjustment for drivers and businesses.
“It’s a little bit hard for us,” said a woman standing in a parking lot. “You know, like just one way we have to live with it. You know, I have my friend. She works at Dunkin Donuts, and she said it’s been very rough.”
The same scenario goes for the Bone Yard restaurant buried behind construction material.
“We’ve literally become a google guide here,” said Co-Owner Gordon Djordjevski of The Original Boneyard Grill House and Bar. “We’re constantly giving directions to make sure the customer can get here and then get home after.”
They’ve had an 80% increase in their Google Map views too. The majority of their business comes from carryout which is a big help.
To increase their presence on social media, owners had to boost their marketing budget.
“I have to double up on the budget because I have to reach out and remind the people, ‘hey, there’s construction; we’re still open; come on in,’” Djordjevski said.
The City of Farmington Hills just launched a shop local initiative to help those that are or have been affected. They are releasing a list of businesses and maps to encourage people to do their part.
“We have a fun photo contest for people who do visit these establishments,” said Cristia Brockway, Economic Development Director, City of Farmington Hills. “If they have the best photo, then we’ll put it on our Facebook page and kind of have that business be recognized.”
There will be a new contest winner each week, and the construction is expected to end in November.
In the meantime, companies are also encouraging people to sign up for their online construction update system so residents and businesses can see how the project is progressing.
