The holidays are often dominated by traditions. It is funny how some can quickly cement themselves into our year. This year marks the 13th that Shop Small Saturday is officially recognized. The event was created by American Express in partnership with the non-profit National Trust For Historic Preservation. Not incidentally, the National Trust For Historic Preservation houses the national Main Street organization of which Main Street Monroe and the state program, under the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, are a part of. As in past years, I am proud to write that Main Street Monroe is recognized by American Express as an official neighborhood champion this season. Part of the reason for our recognition is that we are supporting our local brick and mortar businesses, not just on shop small Saturday, but throughout the season. Specifically with our Christmas Retail Promotion.
The promotion, now in its 5th year, starts this upcoming Tuesday, November 15th. It will run until the end of the year. Weekly prizes, selected by participating shops, will include a variety of on trend items and gift baskets. Grand prizes will total $2,500 and be announced after the first of the year. Our goal is to make shopping local as simple as possible, help thank all of you who do, and give you an extra reason to shop into the new year. So how do you win?
All 37 participating stores will be handing out cards. Spend at least $10 at a participating store or donate in participating stores to the Green County Food Pantry and receive a stamp. When you receive 10 different stamps, you have filled out your card. Leave it wherever you get your last stamp (or any participating store). You will be entered in for weekly prizes and the grand prize giveaways. Each card can win multiple times (weekly and grand prizes) and you can complete multiple cards.
While some of us have already started Christmas shopping, stores are continuing to get holiday items. We are also excited to extend the promotion through the end of the year so you can take advantage of after Christmas sales, gift certificates, and make use of it for family gatherings into the new year. On top of one-on-one customer service and unique items, stores will also be offering wish lists, gift wrapping, and extending hours especially on Sundays and Thursday nights. Thursday, December 1st, will be a downtown holiday open house. The Lighted Christmas Parade is the following night.
On top of what stores are providing, we are also excited for the variety and depth of businesses that are participating this year. Shop local means dining and drinking local and getting services by your local hairdressers. So, in addition to shops like Heartland Graphics, Edelweiss Gifts & More, and The Artful Gourmet, participating businesses also include Bliss Salon and Studio 906 and Bullquarian Brewhouse, Bullets/Doyle’s Irish Pub, Everest Nutrition, and Suisse Haus. There are also several new businesses participating like Forever Frugal and the Local Joint. I am really excited that we can highlight the wide variety of options in the district. From getting brunch or dinner to getting your nails done and buying home goods. It’s all going to be ways for you to shop local and win.
A complete list of participating stores, as well as services being offered and stores hours can be found at www.mainstreetmonroe.org or by calling 608.328.4023.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.
