Rue de la Fourche

In my opinion, Rue de le Fourche is very elegant and well done. This could be considered as one of the finest examples of how marketing can positively contribute positively to the image of the city. The reason why this is so is that when you enter the street (I did it through the Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert) you know that this is a shopping street. Therefore, all marketing, which done in the gallery, is expected. Even though all the shops there are trying to promote themselves, the marketing there still does not feel violating. There is no pushy advertising jumping out on you trying to grab your attention or convince you to enter the store. Nevertheless, when you pass shopping windows you cannot do anything but to stop and look at the beautiful display of the goods stores have to offer.

Once you pass the Gallery du Roi you hit onto Rue de Grétry, a street filled with charming little restaurants. Each one of them are trying to convey a message of comfort by displaying an inviting atmosphere, yet at same time, each one of them tries to be unique in hopes of attracting customers. The host standing outside the restaurant and trying to convince you to come in and eat was unpleasant for me, since I have never experienced anything like that in Canada. However, overall, the positives of the street outweigh the negatives.

In the end, the reasons why I like Rue de la Fourche compared to other places such grand place are simple: when you enter the area, you are aware of what is in there so you are ready to face it. Still, the marketing in Rue de la Fourche is tacked away and does not get in one’s way hence you do not feel that it violates your privacy and space. It is there if you choose to pay attention (and if you are not too busy), however at the same time, you can easily ignore it if you have other things on your mind or looking for something else, like architecture etc.