Shop7vt.com was inspired by my hairdresser, Karen Kohutich. Her shop, Paragon Design, sits on Shelburne Road with thousands of commuters passing by daily. How many of those commuters know she’s there? How many of them are driving extra miles to get a haircut? How can we get them to take notice and stop? Is there something faster and more effective than word of mouth, which is how I found her?

Well, yes there is.

And what about all those other locally-owned businesses along Route 7? Maybe they want commuters to notice them too – and to stop and shop.

I worked with my friends Anne McLaughlin (graphic design) and Bill Alexander (websites) to put this project together. We all commute on Route 7.

We created a newsletter and website to entice shoppers to visit our neighbors’ stores and services along Route 7. Every newsletter offers links to our clients’ web pages and new Special Offer discount coupons every month. Our client businesses share some of their expertise every month, so even if you don’t buy their products, you can learn something useful.

An interactive map shows where our clients are and gives directions from wherever you are.
We just started this summer 2009; after just four issues we have hundreds of subscribers. Please let us know what you think.

-- Mary Esther Treat