• Join us on

For Our Merchants

For Our Merchants

This page is a resource for all of our Downtown merchants. It is meant to help our merchants stay engaged and up-to-date on everything going on Downtown, such as new programming or marketing opportunities, economic development initiatives, holiday or special event notices and other pertinent information that will help our business owners and managers be successful. On this page, you will find a practical guide for doing business Downtown, information on who to call for various topics or concerns, our quarterly newsletters and information on new parking programs, such as the employee parking program that is being finalized and tested this summer. Thank you for choosing Downtown Delray Beach for your business! We are looking forward to working with you. 

The DDA 2019-20 Annual Report is available!

Downtown is our City’s meeting place and the symbolic heart of our community where many areas of activity are represented. Downtown is a thriving business center; a fun & vibrant retail center; a cosmopolitan residential center, where residents enjoy living as a part of the rich energy of urban life; and an ethnically and generationally diverse community.

Distributed to property owners, business owners and residents within the DDA’s district, the Report details the Position Marketing, Placemaking, and Economic Development activities from the past year and also provides a snapshot into 2019-20.  

Also, the DDA has created a video about who we are, what we do, and how we can help you. Click here to view.

2021 Getaway Guide to Downtown Delray Beach Now Available - Click Here

Annual Downtown Property & Business Owner Town Hall Session: 2017 RECAP

Robert J. Gibbs delivered a riveting presentation at our annual Town Hall Meeting on April 19, 2017, at the Delray Beach Marriott, with valuable research & recommendations for our Downtown Business & Property Owners as well as our city's decision-makers. "New Trends in Urban Retail Planning and Development" by the featured speaker, Robert J. Gibbs, AICP, ASLA, CNU-A, President, Gibbs Planning Group was recorded & is available online. Click here to watch the presentation.

 

 

Downtown Merchant & Business Association (DMBA): Upcoming Meetings 

The Downtown Merchant & Business Association consists of restaurants, businesses, and retail owners or operators from the Downtown (DDA) district (I-95 to the beach and within Pineapple Grove area as well as South of Atlantic). If you are a Downtown business owner or operator within the District, you are welcome to join the DMA free of cost. 

DMBA Purpose:

To provide a forum for the downtown businesses to collaborate on programs, communicate amongst the organization and community, and be a collective voice that advocates for activities that promote the retention and smart growth of the downtown business community.  

Business Intake Form 

Click here to fill out the Downtown Business Intake Form for DDA record-keeping purposes and to ensure that you are included in all of our listings, marketing, programming opportunities, and outreach efforts. This form is for merchants in the Downtown District only. If you are unsure of whether or not your business is within the Downtown District borders, please contact the DDA office at 561.243.1077. Please send your completed forms to DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com.

DowntownDelrayBeach.com Website

All merchants within the Downtown District receive a full merchant landing page on the website for Downtown Delray Beach. Merchants can upload photos, videos, promotions, events and so much more to their merchant landing page. This site also offers enhanced visibility & searchability for all of our Downtown merchants. Additionally, it has a mobile-friendly & responsive design!

Website visitors can search for your business by:

•Categories of business or interest
•Keywords
•Neighborhoods within the Downtown District (i.e. Pineapple Grove,  The West Atlantic Neighborhood, Beachside, SOFA [South of Atlantic], US1 and Arts & Entertainment).
 
Click here to view the Website Features Presentation & Login Instructions.

If you haven't received your website login information for your merchant landing page, please contact the DDA office at 561.243.1077 or DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com.

Business Profile Videos for Downtown Merchants

The Downtown Development Authority is proud to partner with VUP Media in offering this unique and affordable business profile video package for our Downtown Merchants (within the DDA District). Take advantage of increased exposure to potential customers, by marketing your business everywhere!

We have been able to leverage this opportunity for you at an extremely cost-efficient price point of only $425 per video profile (a $2,500 value). Each business profile includes an on-location HD shoot of your business, HD post-production editing, business profile video (up to 2 minutes in length).

Business Profiles Can Be Used For • Your business' website • On DowntownDelrayBeach.com, the DDA's Facebook Page & Youtube Channel, increasing your exposure! • For tradeshows • Hotels (looped video) • In-Store Displays • Through your business' social media, blog, & email marketing channels

Click here to view details & pricing.

Click here to view existing Business Profile videos.

If you are interested in having a Business Profile video created for your business, please contact the DDA Office at 561.243.1077 or DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com.

CodeRED Emergency Notification System

The city of Delray Beach has implemented an emergency notification system to provide critical information to residents and businesses in emergencies.

The CodeRED system, capable of placing sixty thousand calls per hour, can call all persons registered with the service or just those located within an affected area, making up to three attempts to reach each number.

The system is only activated in emergencies.  Examples of why you might be called are:

  • Evacuation orders and instructions

  • Boil water orders

  • Warnings of bomb threats, chemical spills, or gas leaks

  • Missing person alerts

  • Reports of criminal activities in or near your area

Click here to register & learn more. 

Mother's Day Orchid Giveaway

Thursday, April 20, 2017 - 9:25am

THE DELRAY BEACH DDA AND DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS CELEBRATE MOM WITH THE MOTHER’S DAY ORCHID GIVEAWAY

Delray Beach, FL (April 2017)…Moms are the best so celebrate their special day! In honor of Mother’s Day, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority presents the Mother's Day Orchid Giveaway.  Join us  from May 1-13, 2017 and receive one Phalaenopsis Orchid Plant* with every $200 spent shopping at Downtown Delray Beach fashion boutiques, specialty stores, gift shops, art galleries, spas, salons and fitness studios. Collect your receipts** and pick-up your orchid May 10 - 13th at one of two Orchid Stations located in front of Hands Stationers, 325 E Atlantic Ave. and Petite Connection, 1049  E Atlantic Ave. on Wednesday May 10th, Thursday May 11th and Friday May 12th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday May 13th from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Enter To Win a Mother's Day Prize Package online from May 1 - May 17, 2017 at DelrayOrchidGiveaway.com (beginning May 1).  Valued at over $500, the package includes Downtown Delray Beach dining, spa, shopping and attraction certificates.   For Orchid Giveaway details visit downtowndelraybeach.com and facebook.com/DelrayDDA, or call the DDA Office at 561.243.1077.

*While supplies last.

**Valid receipts required & must be presented at one of the orchid stations. Receipts (dated May 1 - May 13, 2017) must be from Downtown Delray Beach fashion boutiques, specialty stores, gift shops, art galleries, spas, salons and fitness studios (restaurant receipts are not valid).

 

###

 

Mission
The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) stimulates, enhances, and sustains the economic vitality of downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors.

Read more

World Champion Dancers Open New Studio in Delray Beach

Monday, March 6, 2017 - 11:41am

Media Alert: World Champion Dancers Open New Studio in Delray Beach

Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez spent the last five years dazzling crowds and racking up awards as championship ballroom dancers. Karen Granger and Laura Simon spent that time developing a vibrant culture and business community in Delray Beach leading the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority respectively. On March 16, the local business champions will lace up their dancing shoes to welcome the international ballroom champions and their new dance studio to Delray Beach.

Join, Clifton, Mar, Karen and Laura for the grand opening festivities at the new Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Delray Beach, 247 SE 6th Ave. Suite 4, Delray Beach, on Thursday, March 16, beginning at 5:00 p.m. (grand opening details below). The celebration will feature food and beverage from local establishments, professional dance performances and free beginner dance lessons for the public. Mses. Granger and Simon will each perform a showcase dance with Clifton prior to the official ribbon cutting ceremony. 

“We’re so honored that Ms. Granger and Ms. Simon agreed to let us teach them the timeless art of ballroom dancing in time for them to perform at our grand opening,” Martinez said. “Clifton and I fell in love with Delray Beach the moment we saw it and are so happy to get to share our excitement to be business owners here with the whole community.”

Join us for an evening of good food and great fun as we welcome the new Fred Astaire Dance Studio to Delray Beach. To RSVP, please click here.

We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Matt DeMargel

919.459.8164

 

Grand Opening Festivities

(Thursday, March 16, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.)

Attire: Business Casual

5:00 p.m.         Doors open for food and greeting

5:15 p.m.         Official welcome and toast

5:25 p.m.         Showcase dances by Karen Granger and Laura Simon

5:30 p.m.         Official ribbon cutting

5:35 p.m.         Professional dance performance by Clifton & Mar

5:45 p.m.         Group Dance Instruction

6:00 p.m.         Open Dance Party with local band, South Florida Swing Band

 

About Fred Astaire Dance Studios®

Co-founded in 1947 by the legendary Fred Astaire, Fred Astaire Dance Studios set the standard of excellence in dance instruction. They feature ballroom and Latin style dance lessons for all ages and abilities in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Our unique method of instruction will allow you to learn dances from the Foxtrot to Salsa faster and more easily than you could anywhere else. Our mission is to enrich the lives of anyone and everyone who is associated with our company and to become your community dance studio.

 

Read more

Barre Envy Is the First and Only Luxury Fitness Studio in Artist Alley

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 - 11:38am

Barre Envy Is the First and Only Luxury Fitness Studio in Artist Alley

Come see the inspiring space this Friday, March 3rd for a VIP Open House including a complimentary class, local bites, product samplings and cocktails

February 27, 2017 - Delray Beach, FL  - Introducing a new collaboration bringing style and substance to Barre fitness. On Friday, March 3, 2017, Barre Envy will be hosting a VIP Open House for our Delray Beach community. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Barre Envy is leading the trend by establishing their business in the newest hot spot in Downtown Delray, Artist Alley. The quaint neighborhood is set up to embrace the arts and Barre Envy’s mission is to support the new area by moving their business and bringing local art inside the studio, as well. The newly branded studio, formerly The Barre Studio, which was located off of Atlantic Avenue for 5 years, has rebranded and made the move. They invite you to come see their inspiring space and explore Artist Alley.

The monthly First Friday Art Walk, put on by the Downtown Development Authority, will also be going on that night and it’s encouraged to venture out to the participating art galleries & studios.

The evening’s events entail:

  • A complimentary Barre Envy class (sign up required limited space)
  • Opportunity to meet the owners Kim Palacio and Erin Heit
  • Talk with instructors
  • Take advantage of Special Night Package of 15 classes for $150
  • See the mural inside by well-known artist Amanda James (owner of Amanda Johnson Studio in Artists Alley) who will be there as well
  • Learn about Allure Aesthetics services
  • Sample Levar+ Skincare
  • Shop Mindy Gang Jewelry
  • Taste apps and specialty drinks from Banyan Restaurant

Kim Palacio, Co-Owner, Barre Envy “I am excited about our location here in the middle of Artist’s Alley. The sculpting and toning that we do with the body through our precise technique is a form of art. So, I feel we have found our perfect home. Our clients are loving the close proximity to Bedner’s and all the great restaurants that are in walking distance. After class they are shopping, grabbing coffee, lunch or dinner. The sense of community is wonderful.”

Erin Heit, Co-Owner, Barre Envy “When Kim presented the idea of collaborating on bringing her existing successful barre business to the new and upcoming area of Delray Beach, Artist Alley, I knew I needed to be involved. To be able to offer my extensive branding experience to bring together two of my passions, fitness and art, was a dream come true, and Barre Envy was created.”

Barre Envy is the first and only luxury fitness studio located in trendy Artist Alley, Delray Beach, FL. We invite you to experience  the difference our attention to your proper form and alignment makes. The smallest adjustments creates the biggest changes. We are your new destination to sculpt and transform your body. Details Matter. Located 341 NE 3rd Ave , Delray Beach FL 33444 Phone 561-891-0006, www.BarreEnvy.com

Media Contact: Erin Heit

Phone: 305-962-7273

Email: ErinHeit@gmail.com

 

Learn more about Barre Envy
Read more

A FEW RESERVATIONS REMAIN FOR SAVOR THE AVENUE

Monday, February 27, 2017 - 12:03pm

9th ANNUAL SAVOR THE AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH

A FEW RESERVATIONS REMAIN!

Delray Beach, FL Just a few reservations remain for the 9th annual Savor the Avenue on Monday, March 27th at 5:30 p.m. !  Steve Weagle, WPTV NewsChannel 5 Chief meteorologist, will once again host this amazing evening of dining under the stars—and down the double yellow line of famed Atlantic Avenue—at the food and wine event of the year. Join hundreds of guests—and 16 of Downtown Delray’s finest restaurants—at Florida’s longest dining table, one that runs more than five blocks and 1,300 feet long stretching from Swinton Avenue east to Fifth Avenue (U.S. 1).  Savor the Avenue is a Delray Beach culinary tradition made possible by Delray Beach Magazine’s partnership with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and is a way of showcasing the collection of fine dining establishments located within the downtown area.

This year, in addition to the judging panel, there will also be a People’s Choice Award granted to the restaurant with the best table décor. Be sure to VOTE for your favorite Savor the Avenue table scape by uploading a picture of the best table to Facebook or Instagram, using #SavorPeoplesChoice and checking in to or tagging the restaurant name.

The Savor the Avenue 2017 participating restaurants are: 32 East, 50 Ocean, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, Che!!!, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Cut 432, Lemongrass, Max’s Harvest, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen, Rack’s Fish House & Oyster Bar, Rocco’s Tacos, ROK:BRGR, Salt 7, The Office, and Vic & Angelo’s. Each 4-course dinner is paired with select libations. The menus can be viewed at downtowndelraybeach.com/SavortheAvenue and bocamag.com/savor.  Reservations are made with the restaurants directly, and seating is limited.  The DDA is pleased to announce that restaurants will donate $3 from each reservation at Savor the Avenue to the Delray Beach Public Library. 

The 2017 sponsors are:  JM Lexus, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 111 First Delray, Atlas Party Rental, GRIMES Events & Party Tents and Delray Garden Center.

Savor the Avenue is presented by:  Delray Beach Magazine, Boca Raton Magazine, and the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

Final day to reserve your seat is March 24.  For information and menus please visit downtowndelraybeach.com/SavortheAvenue and bocamag.com/savor, or call 561.243.1077. #SavorTheAvenue

 

###

 

About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

Media Contact:

Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

Read more

DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH SECURITY AMBASSADOR PILOT PROGRAM DEBUTS

Thursday, February 16, 2017 - 4:30pm

Delray Beach, FL (February 2017)…The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched a new initiative to further enhance its Placemaking goal of fostering a compelling destination by enhancing the physical elements of the downtown, and its strategy to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment.  The Downtown Delray Beach Security Ambassador Pilot Program debuted on February 6, 2017.  In partnership and with direction from the City of Delray Police Department and the Downtown Manager, two ambassadors in bright yellow shirts will be on foot and bike from 6am – 11pm Sunday through Wednesday and 6am – 1am from Thursday to Saturday.  They will patrol from NW/SW 5th avenue east on Atlantic Avenue to the Intracoastal Bridge, and one block on either side of Atlantic Avenue from Swinton Avenue to the Intracoastal Bridge.    

 “The DDA has been working closely with the City of Delray Beach Clean and Safe team and Community Improvement Department to find ways to assist with the quality of life issues that are affecting the Downtown/DDA District,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director, Delray Beach DDA. “I had learned about the Ambassador Program through the West Palm Beach DDA and met with them on numerous occasions to review the program and the successes that it has brought to their city over the years.  The DDA Board recommended that it would fund and conduct the $50,150, 12-week Pilot/test program, and to hire Professional Security Consultants – the same organization providing Downtown Ambassadors for the West Palm Beach DDA, as well as City Place, Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.”

The role of the Ambassadors is to be a constant “security type presence with a hospitality side”, providing customer service support such as giving directions and information about Downtown to the public, Safe Walk services for employees or customers,  and serving as the extra set of eyes and ears for safety, lighting, banners, trash, etc. The Ambassadors will have cell phone contact with the Police Department and businesses, and will be on radio with the Clean and Safe Sergeant and the DDA team.

They will work directly with the Police Department and Clean and Safe team to monitor areas within the Downtown with an aim of deterring criminal activity or disruptive street behavior, and addressing quality of life issues such as homelessness, panhandling, loitering, disturbances in front of businesses, and assisting the Police Department with any issues as needed such as traffic accidents. In addition, the Ambassadors will work closely with the Downtown business owners and employees to share information and educate the community on how to effectively handle panhandling situations or any other related needs.

The Pilot Program Goals include increasing the perception of safety and enhancing the quality of life within the Downtown Area by addressing issues, and adding support for the Downtown Clean and Safe unit.  “We are hopeful that this program will truly help the Downtown Delray teams in their efforts, and be an asset to those who live, work and play in the DDA district, ” said Simon. 

We need your feedback on the pilot program. Please let us know if you'd like to see the program continue:

If you are a Downtown resident, property owner, business owner or visitor, send a letter or email about this pilot program to: DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com and/or CLICK HERE to take the Downtown Ambassador SURVEY.

For more information, please contact:  DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or 561.243.1077.

 

###

About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown Businesses, residents and visitors, while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.  For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC  

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

 

Read more