Happy Valley Pivot: How Downtown State College Businesses Thrive with Online and Curbside Shopping

Supporting Downtown Businesses with Online and Personal Shopping Options

In April 2020, as COVID-19's impacts deepened, local organizers canceled summer festivals like Happy Valley's iconic Festival of the Arts and 4th Fest—the first cancellation for Arts Fest in its 54-year history.

These events typically draw over 300,000 visitors to downtown State College favorites such as Appalachian Outdoors, Family Clothesline, and Growing Tree. Additional cancellations, including Blue-White Weekend, Penn State graduation (held virtually), and spectator-free football games, further reduced foot traffic.

Melissa Jeffries, Executive Director of the Downtown State College Improvement District, emphasizes the need for community support. "Without visitation dollars, downtown businesses need our backing more than ever," she says. "We're relying on the Happy Valley community to shop local and Penn State fans to support us online."

Jeffries highlights how local businesses have stepped up: restaurants offered free meals to those in need, while retailers provide exceptional personal service—often with owners handling fulfillment and deliveries amid staffing challenges. "These family-owned operations prioritize customers, fostering community ties. Residents have seen the value of shopping local this year, and I hope it continues even after visitors return," she adds.

Safe Ways to Support Downtown State College

Remote Shopping: Downtown restaurants and retailers have boosted their online presence. Follow Downtown State College on Facebook for specials. Jeffries notes, "If it's happening downtown, we'll post it there." Visit their website for direct links to gift card orders.

In-Person Shopping: Businesses enforce masks, limit capacity per state orders, and sanitize regularly. Alternatives include curbside pickup, personal shopping, senior hours, and local deliveries—details available on the Downtown State College website.

Support broadly with the Downtown State College gift card, accepted at over 100 businesses and purchasable at the Improvement District office, online, or by phone.

"Dozens of our downtown businesses have operated for 40+ years," Jeffries says. "Spend locally to keep them thriving for generations."

Downtown State College Improvement District | 27 South Fraser Street, State College, PA 16801 | (814) 238-7004