The Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA) enjoys the “little things” in Downtown Staunton with a newly branded space, truck and cart.

THE SPACE, a 432 square foot storefront operated by SDDA, opened on July 1, 2022 featuring an exhibit on The Statler Brothers, an American country music group from Staunton, Virginia. The exhibit ran until Labor Day and showcased a variety of the quartet’s items and memorabilia including costumes, stage equipment, books, a few never before seen photos and props.

To cross promote the Statler Brother’s exhibit, the little peddler’s cart hosted a retail pop-up shop for Statler Brothers merchandise, and the little truck (a 1995 Toyota Town Ace) participated in Staunton’s 4th of July parade.

Supported by a $25,000 Downtown Investment Grant from Virginia Main Street, SDDA’s little project has not only created multiple opportunities to showcase their community’s history and unique assets, but they have created new avenues to promote and highlight Downtown Staunton’s products, services and happenings.

SDDA has already found a variety of ways to leveraged the little space in conjunction with the little truck and the little cart. The second rendition of THE SPACE featured a Veteran’s Day exhibit recognizing local, veteran heroes that now own and operate downtown businesses. The little truck and cart have also been used as mobile stage during Queen City Mischief & Magic and an info station during Staunton PRIDE and Shop & Dine Out in Downtown. During the upcoming holiday season, THE SPACE will transform into Santa’s Downtown Workshop, a seasonal pop-up that offers complimentary photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, and the truck will serve as mobile sales spot for Christmas trees.

“The little space, the little truck and the little cart are all tools to help businesses and organizations within Downtown Staunton attract and draw in customers for further conversations, connection and action.”

Greg Beam, Executive Director of the Staunton Downtown Development Association

And the opportunities don’t stop there. Staunton’s Independent Radio Station, WQSV, has been invited to broadcast and record podcasts from THE SPACE between exhibits. With various activations throughout the year, the “little things” work to further economic vitality and promotion efforts in Downtown Staunton.

Photo Credit: Staunton Downtown Development Association