No matter how much Atlantic City improves with new attractions & features, (The Playground, Bungalow Beach Bar, Inlet Boardwalk, etc.) it still needs to tell the world about it’s significant improvements.
So far, the old school marketing, PR tactics, and media platforms of the past are not working. And yes, I’m pointing at you… local Newspaper, Radio and PR peeps. Your communication platforms & tactics are really tired. I’m also pointing at you, AC City Hall. In a one newspaper town, Atlantic City must not be held hostage for media coverage.
Oh, and one more thing…. don’t tell me you hired a social media guru. Free-mium platforms like Facebook & Twitter are only a very small part of successful marketing strategy.
Examples of Hidden Atlantic City Assets
Stealthy hidden behind mountainous dunes, the Chelsea Beach Bar celebrated it’s grand opening on Thursday with a mayoral ribbon cutting and a packed house. This past Friday at 9:30p, the promising place was empty. We guess those Facebook posts didn’t get enough shares?
Bally’s Beach Bar has a really cool ‘slip n slide’ Saturday. That was news to me as I happened to walk past it by chance. I also noticed my favorite band; ‘Don’t Call Me Francis’ plays every Thursday night. ‘WTF’, I said to the manager on duty. Why hide these awesome features? Obviously, Bally’s ill-advised, Radio campaign targeting 55+ listeners was not a good match, said the manager.
The very impressive 39 North concert venue at The Playground canceled a series of concerts recently. Even free tickets to a Gin Blossoms concert couldn’t fill the place. Quite frankly, I would have gone to that show…..if I knew it was happening.
The cryptically named ’39 North’ is an awesome 13,500-square-foot venue at the end of The Playground’s cryptically named ‘T-Street’ nightclub/bar corridor. Go a few feet further and step out thru the doors…..and the former Caesars Pier opens up onto Atlantic City’s BEST….and BEST hidden location for a waterfront bar/restaurant/club. It got me thinking….
Ya know how a strategically placed, quality ‘anchor business’ can invigorate a languishing strip mall? That’s what needs to go out their on the TIP of this so-called Playground pier; a people magnet to pull patrons thru the property…..and make people forget about the parking price gouge by Caesar’s and the 15 minute journey to T-street’s entrance.
[foogallery id=”29335″]
To be sure, I agree with Blatstein. All business goes thru growing pains and the smart ones…. make smart adjustments.
It take cahones to quickly pull the plug on stuff that’s not working and replace it with something that will. We’re still bullish in Blatstein and his pier plan. He’ll adjust and will find the right mix. Bet on that. Live music will still be featured at 39 North, but the space will be open to other non-concert offerings, Blatstein said.
Access to T-Street is a very un-popular $10 cover charge. That’s like paying to walk thru the Tropicana’s ‘Quarter’.
Maybe Blatstein will smartly turn that $10 admission into 1 drink minimum that can be redeemed at any of the T-Street venues? We’d be down with that. Blatstein says he signed eight new Playground tenants, six retail and two culinary in the past month.
Broadway on the Boardwalk. Big shows with professional cast members. Well attended, but these shows should make the Boardwalk overflow with visitors. Relying on local radio & newspaper to promote these show don’t work when trying to reach AC’s #1 target market: the South Jersey & Philadelphia region.