TRAVIDIA & SUNRISE MARKETPLACE TEAM UP

By Bob Walter -- Bee Columnist
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, July 24, 2005

Online marketplace: The 500 stores, eateries and service businesses in Sunrise MarketPlace now have more in common than gnarly traffic and a seasonal fascination with tennis.

They all are part of what is billed as a unique online directory - the tech types call it an Internet onramp - with individual "microsites" for each member.

"We mostly have done broad, destination marketing ... come to Sunrise MarketPlace," said Kathilynn Carpenter, executive director of the business district. "This is geared for individual merchants."

Participation has been uneven so far, but Kathilynn said she is generally pleased with the response to the district's partnership with Chico-based Travidia Inc., an Internet marketing firm.

The online program works especially well for merchants who don't have Web sites or who share corporate sites, she said. For example, Tinder Box can promote a special cigar event at the Sunrise Mall store or a one-day sale.

The directory - see it at www.sunrisemarketplace.com - also is great for nonretailers.

"Sometimes we struggle with how to help professional services, the dentists or CPAs," she said. "That's what I'm most excited about."

I can see it now: Microsite Special, Friday only, half-price root canals. ...

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