Retailers roll out the red carpet for LRT riders

Retailers along the Confederation Line are rolling out the red carpet for transitriders, offering promotions and incentives to take advantage of the extra foot traffic near the city's new light rail stations.

The east-west Confederation Line opens to the public Saturdayafternoon, endinga wait of more than six years.

It's been a long time coming for many retailers who have had to endure years of construction, which at times hampered business.

Carrie Irvine, marketing director at St. Laurent Shopping Centre, said the mall'sretailers and management are celebrating the launch this Saturday.

Opening day party

The mall, which is connected to the new St-Laurent LRT station, is hosting anopening day party with music, balloons and promotions.

We're hoping that people will stop and shop when they get off the train.- Carrie Irvine, St. Laurent Shopping Centre

"Just so when people come through they feel welcomed and excited to be here at St. Laurent," Irvine said.

"Of course, we're hoping that people will stop and shop when they get off the train. We're also giving away 100 free rides on the LRT."

Retailers 'excited' as LRT opening day approaches

5 years ago

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Store owners at St. Laurent Shopping Centre and Rideau Centre say they hope the opening of the Confederation Line will bring an increase in customers.

Outside Parliament station in downtown Ottawa, staff at Voila Coiffure Salon and Mini Spa were busy lining up new staff and stocking up on supplies.

"We do have some new staff at the ready to get started as the demand increases with the foot traffic," Chantal Terpstrasaid.

"[We're] also looking at increasing our hours in order to be able to accommodate the new people coming through the building."

Terpstra said the salon is also working with its product supplier to come up with promotions to offer new clients.

Anxious for opening day

Down the line at Rideau station, businesses on nearby William Street are also anxiously awaiting thegrand opening.

• Confederation Line launch: Everything you need to know for opening day

Bill Fullerton, manager ofthe Crazy Moose of Ottawa souvenir shop, said the LRT-related construction has made it difficult for businesses in the area, but he's looking at the big picture.

"The construction lasted obviously longer than we anticipated, but that being said you've got to look at the long term, which I think is very positive," Fullerton said.

John Le,owner of Amore Gelato, said he hopes the LRT will help bring new business, as well as making life a bit easier for hiscurrent customers.

"It's an advantage for sure because in the past a lot of my customersthey come to me and they say it's so hard to find parking in the ByWard Market," Le said.