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The Positive Economic Impact of Sidewalk Planters

Decorative planters with lush green and burgundy plants placed at the entrance of a brick building

 

Sidewalk planters. They’re pretty! They hold a wide array of greenery, making your communities look beautiful. But they do more than that – they also have a positive economic impact. 

 

When you live in the city, you can sometimes miss out on the natural greenery of smaller towns and the countryside. That’s why many cities make conscious efforts to add greenery and flowers to the city, including by implementing sidewalk planters.

  

When it comes down to modern city planting, sidewalk planters are an excellent option when it comes to bringing plant life to an urban setting. They decorate the exterior of businesses, dot sidewalks, and adorn outdoor social spaces.  

 

But what are the major benefits of sidewalk planters and why should your city adopt them during the spring and summertime? Classic Displays will explore this and more in this blog about sidewalk planters. 

 

Enhancing Air Quality and Promoting Environmental Well-being 

Sidewalk planters are pretty, sure, but they have a very practical purpose beyond being a nice decoration. Like all plants, they help to purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and creating new, clean oxygen, improving the air quality in the world around them. In major cities that are prone to gas emissions and other environmental challenges such as smog, the more plants you have, the better. 

 

Not only that, but by having more greenery in the world around you, you're actually improving biodiversity in the local ecosystem.  

 

Creating Jobs and Supporting Local Economy 

While maintaining sidewalk planters isn't necessarily a "difficult job", somebody still has to do it. Plants need a good deal of attention, especially outdoor plants. They need to be watered, pruned, and replaced throughout the season, creating job opportunities for landscapers, horticulturists, and city maintenance workers!  

 

In cities with higher unemployment rates, the demand for these services can offer some much-needed jobs for people in need.  

 

Not to mention that there are businesses that sell plants, sidewalk planters, and the necessary landscaping materials that can also benefit from an increase in demand for sidewalk greenery. Classic Displays is one of the leading providers of city-wide furniture and accessories, including sidewalk planters. Other local flower shops and garden centres can provide the rest.  

 

You can also rely on local nurseries, and trust us, that uptick in sales as municipalities embrace sidewalk planters. This can create a ripple effect and can have a positive impact on the local economy, where multiple sectors, including agriculture, retail, and landscaping can reap the benefits of green infrastructure. 

 

Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect and Lowering Energy Costs 

Beyond aesthetic and economic benefits, sidewalk planters also have many environmental advantages that just so happen to improve economic growth. Urban areas often experience a phenomenon called the "urban heat island" effect, where high temperatures are more prevalent than they are in rural areas due to the presence of concrete, asphalt, and other heat-retaining materials that are abundant in the city.  

 

This can increase energy costs as buildings have to use more air conditioning to keep things cool during the hotter months.  

 

Adding sidewalk planters to urban areas can help mitigate some of that heat island effect. The plants inside of the sidewalk planters absorb sunlight and help cool the surrounding air through a process called evapotranspiration

 

This cooling effect can help reduce reliance on air conditioning in nearby businesses, lowering energy costs overall.  

 

Increasing Property Values 

Urban greenery has a proven impact on property values. Studies have proven that properties located near beautiful parks, trees, and green spaces tend to have higher market values than those in areas with little to no greenery. While sidewalk planters aren't on the same scale as the park, they still contribute to this effect by bringing plant life and greenery into urban spaces. 

 

When it comes to homeowners, this means properties located near sidewalk planters might see a spike in resale value. For developers, it means investing in green infrastructure is worthwhile, as it can increase the price of the property for potential buyers or tenants.  

 

While cities are going to continue to urbanize, there's more incentive than ever to incorporate green features into real estate development.  People are willing to pay more to live in green, walkable spaces! 

 

Boosting Local Business Revenue 

A prettier streetscape isn't just for the tourists; it's also for the benefit of local businesses. Research shows that when an area is more visually appealing, it inspires people to explore more, which means they're more likely to wander into a local business and make a purchase. 

 

Sidewalk planters are perfect for attributing to this effect by creating more welcoming and pleasant streets that are fun to walk through. Retailers and restaurant owners have reported in the past that businesses located in pedestrian-friendly urban spaces see an uptick in foot traffic, which translates directly to more sales.  

 

Well-designed streetscapes that incorporate more plants and greenery create an environment that is pleasant and gives the sensation that the city cares. The more attractive an area is, the more likely people will wander from shop to shop, and maybe even into a cafe or restaurant, finding a gem they didn't know was there.  

 

Then, bam! Purchases are made, your customer gets something they love, and the local businesses make a profit. More money is invested into green spaces, and the cycle continues with mutual benefit.  

 

Beige planter filled with vibrant purple and silver foliage plants on a concrete patio surrounded by greenery.

 

See Classic Display's sidewalk planter options as well as other outdoor site furniture. 

 

Attracting and Retaining Tourists 

Tourists love a picturesque space perfect for snapping pics and sharing stories. Tourism, at its core, is also a major driver of economic well-being for many urban cities, and sidewalk planters can play a crucial role in attracting tourists. 

 

A well-decorated, maintained, green urban environment can communicate to tourists that the surrounding businesses are top-notch because the local space around them is so eye-catching. Tourists enjoy cities with lush, vibrant public spaces that are easy to navigate, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.  

 

Sidewalk planters can be a key part of creating these spaces, offering lush leaves and bustling blooms, increasing the time tourists spend in an area - and the amount of money they spend when they wander into a store. 

 

Look at cities like Paris and New York – they embrace sidewalk planters as a part of their beautification initiatives, creating inviting spaces for tourists and locals alike. This not only improves the urban area's aesthetic, but it also encourages longer visits and repeated tourism. Investing in greener spaces can help bolster economic growth.  

 

Enhancing the Aesthetic Appeal of Urban Spaces 

Imagine you bought your dream home. You wouldn’t just plop a few pieces of random furniture in it and call it a day, would you? Of course not. You’d DECORATE! You’d make it your own, make it feel welcoming and beautiful. Urban spaces are no different. 

 

Urban spaces are a part of the community. And everyone who explores your community, whether they’re just visiting or if they’re local, wants to have a positive experience in outdoor spaces.  

 

The most obvious and perhaps immediate benefit of sidewalk planters is their ability to effortlessly enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas. Cities are usually known for being "concrete jungles" consisting of little more than concrete, asphalt, and towering buildings.  

 

This can make the environment feel cold and unwelcoming. Sidewalk planters, on the other hand, can create a sense of greenery and warmth in urban landscapes, softening the otherwise rough aesthetic and creating a more welcoming atmosphere.  

 

There are plenty of benefits to be had by creating more lush, green urban spaces. Studies show locals and tourists alike. 

 

The more visually pleasing a space is, the more likely people are to explore and spend time there, which for some, can mean enjoying a coffee at a local bistro, shopping at local stores, or even attending local events nearby. This increased foot traffic can lead to more consumer spending, which is a bonus for local businesses.  

 

Bright green planters with topiary trees and colorful flowers lining a city sidewalk.

 

Trust Classic Displays for Your Urban Spaces 

With more than 46 years of experience, Classic Displays went from offering Christmas holiday displays to creating literal winter wonderlands and offering various practical and beautifying site furniture options for more than 350+ municipalities. We've expanded our product range over all three of our divisions each year, taking in the demand of local communities and fulfilling their needs.  

 

Classic Displays continues to design and manufacture quality products, from sidewalk planters to memorial benches, and more. We have products that our customers can depend on, as we refuse to sacrifice quality. You can feel at ease knowing our products are manufactured to last. 

 

If you’re looking to beautify your city’s urban streetscape this year, go no further than Classic Displays. We have what you need to make your outdoor urban areas something to remember. Contact us today

 

 

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Last Post: April 15, 2025

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