
BLISSFIELD — New data from Placer.ai is helping Blissfield officials better understand downtown foot traffic, showing strong engagement and opportunities for targeted outreach.
During the July meeting of the Blissfield Downtown Development Authority, members reviewed a report compiled through cell phone location data. The information, provided via the Michigan Main Street program, tracks devices that spend more than 20 minutes in the area—an indicator of active visits rather than drive-through traffic.
The report revealed that November 9, 2024, was the busiest day of the year. Visitor traffic remained steady through the first quarter of 2025, with approximately 20,000–22,000 visits per month from January to March. Many of the visitors came from areas south of Toledo, including cities like Fremont and Perrysburg.
The DDA noted that deeper, real-time data is available but comes with a price tag. A full-year Placer.ai subscription would cost about $14,000, which is currently outside the village’s budget.
Officials said the data helps shape advertising strategies and event planning by pinpointing where visitors are coming from. Future access may depend on grant opportunities or support from state programs.