Sidewalk chalk ads drawing complaints

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - In a down economy stores are more competitive than ever, trying new things to lure in customers.

One Grand Rapids store actually chalks up a chunk of its business to sidewalk chalk advertisements.

But those drawings are drawing complaints.

It may look innocent enough, it's sidewalk chalk. A lot of stores in Grand Rapids are using chalk to advertise, but the city says stores are crossing the line.

"It's low cost and times are tough," said Lauren Mullin of Bohemian Too.

At Bohemian Too, a trendy clothing store on Weston Street in Grand Rapids, customers are lured in by an inexpensive if not efficient ad campaign in sidewalk chalk.

"It started when we moved because our old landlord wouldn't let us put up signs on our old building," said Mullen.

So, a few times a week the sidewalk ads point customers directly to Bohemian Too's front door.

"We have so many customers who say I followed the chalk arrows," said Mullen.

But the ads have caused a bit of controversy. Not only has the store's customer base taken notice, but so has the City of Grand Rapids. They say the the ads are considered off premise advertising.

If they're not gone before Sunday the store could face fines up to $100 per design.

"It's sidewalk chalk, it goes away. It's not a permanent thing," said Mullen.

So, in the meantime the store will be chalking up downtown sidewalks up until the very last minute.

If the city forces them to stop Bohemian Too, just like its chalk ads, may be just a temporary fixture for Grand Rapids.

"Worst case scenario is we have to close," said Mullen.

Shoppers at the store say they will be at the Grand Rapids City Council meeting Monday night to keep fighting for their ad space.