Townsville City Council is encouraging local businesses to help bring our streets to life. By activating your storefront, you can attract more foot traffic, build stronger community connections, and contribute to a more vibrant and welcoming urban experience.

An inviting outdoor dining space in Tbilisi, Georgia with cozy lounges and string lights.

An inviting outdoor dining space in Tbilisi, Georgia with cosy lounges and string lights.

What Is Storefront Activation?

Storefront activation is about making your business frontage more engaging, interactive, and people-friendly. It’s a form of placemaking – turning ordinary spaces into places people love to linger.

The quickest way to get a busier store is to make each person walking past linger longer!

Think of your shopfront as a stage. What story does it tell? What experience does it offer?

In doing this ensure:

  • A 1.5m clear continuous walkway – make sure to discuss with your neighbours.
  • A safe environment for people with vision impairment or mobility challenges.
  • That installations that are easy to move or relocate.
A façade of beautiful flower shop with different houseplants and flowers.

A façade of beautiful flower shop with different houseplants and flowers.

Let’s Make Townsville Streets Thrive

Your storefront is more than a business – it’s part of the public realm. By activating it, you help create a more connected, lively, and resilient Townsville.

Start small. Think big. Make it yours.

Quick tips for success:

  1. Keep it flexible: Try small changes and see what works.
  2. Be playful: Surprise and delight people.
  3. Think from the footpath: What catches the eye at walking speed?
  4. Get feedback: Ask customers what they love or want more of.
Festoon umbrellas in Rue de Saint-Joseph, Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland.

Festoon umbrellas in Rue de Saint-Joseph, Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland.

Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Australia.

Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Australia.

Idea 1:
Create a Welcoming Threshold

  • Add planters, benches, or umbrellas to soften the edge between your shop and the street.

  • Use chalkboards or a-frame signs with playful messages or daily specials.

  • Install festive lighting or seasonal decorations to add warmth and character.

A giant game of connect four.

A giant game of connect four.

Idea 2:
Offer a “Pause Point”

  • Provide free water, dog bowls, or shade.

  • Host a mini lending library or community noticeboard.

  • Add a street game like hopscotch or a puzzle table.

LEANS, Mother Earth 2017. Street art mural painted in Odgen Street, Townsville.

LEANS, Mother Earth 2017. Street art mural painted in Odgen Street, Townsville.

Idea 3:
Celebrate Local Identity

  • Showcase local artists in your windows.

  • Use Townsville-themed visuals, local artists, or historical photos.

  • Tell your story – why you’re here, what you love about the community.

Example:

A clothing boutique featured rotating art from local schools, drawing families and new customers.

Hoi Polloi in Flinders Lane, Townsville.

Hoi Polloi in Flinders Lane, Townsville.

Idea 4:
Engage the Senses – Embrace the Hustle & Bustle!

  • Use music, scent, or interactive displays to draw people in, really open up your shop.

  • Clutter up your entrance, make it like a home!

  • Keep your windows clean, open, or well-lit – look noticeable.

Example:

A bakery played soft jazz and offered cookie samples – passersby couldn’t resist.

A group of tourists eating lunch sitting on shared seating on a footpath in Bryant Park, New York City, USA.

A group of tourists eating lunch sitting on shared seating on a footpath in Bryant Park, New York City, USA.

Idea 5:
Collaborate with Neighbours (and Council!)

  • Coordinate with nearby businesses for shared seating, street events, or themed days.

  • Join forces for window trails, scavenger hunts, or pop-up markets.

Need to speak to someone?

If you require further advice, please contact us.