Economic Development Performing Arts HOME Today we see clowns in shopping malls handing out coupons, in stores entertaining customers, and in the streets enticing customer to come in and just look around. Businesses are willing to pay for clowns because clowns bring in paying customers. In February 2000 at Toronto Canada a prophetic event took place. The Holiday Inn on King Street went clown. From Hotel Manager Marlin Kaeranen to the waiter that serves you coffee, they have become clowns.
Clowning is part of their training program.
They do not dress in clown face and costume when at work. Clowning at this downtown hotel is not only accepted - it's expected. The executive staff found that becoming clowns was good marketing. The clowns volunteer in and around the community. But the side effect is that the management of staff is easier because there is a common bond amongst the staff.