As the shopping habits of consumers have evolved, one Bay Ridge business group sought to keep up with the times.
Noticing the challenges many of the businesses along 5th Avenue were facing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bay Ridge 5th Avenue Business Improvement District created its very own shopping app.
"As consumer habits evolve, we saw an opportunity to create a digital platform that promotes businesses, events and special offers while making it easier for residents and visitors to engage with the vibrant 5th Avenue corridor," said Elizabeth Lovejoy, the executive director of the BID.
Launched earlier this month, the app offers more than just a directory to the avenue's restaurants, medical offices, coffee shops, community organizations and retail stores between 65th and 85th Streets. It also has a section for events happening on 5th Avenue, along with traffic reports, weather and even community news.
"Our goal is for the app to serve as a one-stop resource for everything happening on 5th Avenue," Lovejoy said. "We want to make it easier for shoppers to discover new businesses, find exclusive promotions and stay updated on events. Ultimately, the app will boost visibility for our merchants, strengthens customer loyalty, and reinforces 5th Avenue as a must-visit destination—not just in Bay Ridge, but beyond."
The app was created by a United Kingdom-based company called Loqiva, which creates apps for communities. The 5th Avenue BID is the first in the United States to have an app that will create a "digital town hub," according to the Loqiva website.
Lovejoy said more businesses are joining the app each day and the BID is partnering with Fort Hamilton High School's National Honor Society, where students will help the BID in expanding its outreach.
Two of the businesses listed on the app are Hands of Hope Physical Therapy and the longtime candy store, Choco-Oh! Lot Plus. The team at Hands of Hope is looking forward to getting more exposure.
"We hope to have new patients," said Chirag Chaudhari, one of the therapists. "We also sell merch and products and they'll see that they can benefit from that, along with physical therapy."
However, Charles Arnone, the owner of Choco-Oh! Lot Plus, said he is a little skeptical. He feels the BID needs to do more for 5th Avenue and its businesses, particularly when it comes to security and keeping the streets clean.
While he wonders if the app would be helpful, he is open to its possibilities.
"Hopefully it works for everybody," Arnone said. "And if it does, fine."
The app is now available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play.
