The downtown Franklin community is joining together to support Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, as part of a national effort to help independently owned merchants gain more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.
Many of the 150 shops and restaurants in downtown Franklin’s historic core are offering special sales and other promotions the day after “Black Friday.” In addition, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) plans to coordinate an additional encouragement for patrons to shop local: select merchants will offer a 10 percent discount when a customer presents a receipt from another downtown Franklin shop or restaurant.
“Small Business Saturday is one way the community shows appreciation for our small businesses. It’s also an opportunity for local merchants to support one another,” said Nancy Williams, Downtown Franklin Association Director. “We hope that we can help create a new tradition for families, a Christmas kick-off day in downtown Franklin that promotes relationships in a fun, not chaotic, environment.”
For the second year, downtown Franklin building owners and merchants will band together to add a bright layer of festivity to Main Street–on Saturday evening, storefronts will light up with Christmas lights, window candles and wreathes.
Downtown Franklin Association President Bob Roethemeyer—who is participating in both the building lighting and Small Business Saturday incentives—says that this is another indication of how local business owners add spirit to the season :
“Our local merchants have done a fantastic job encouraging the Main Street lighting, and have gone the extra mile to participate in Small Business Saturday,” said Roethemeyer, owner of Avec Moi on Main Street. “We believe this will look like something from a story book once dark falls and we couldn’t be more excited to see the effect.”
In its fourth year, Small Business Saturday turned out more than 103 million patrons across the country in 2012. A survey released by American Express estimated that consumers spent $5.5 billion at locally owned stores and restaurants.
For more information about the event, go to www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday or visit the downtown Franklin website at www.downtownfranklintn.com.
Participating Merchants as of 11/22/13:(For more merchants and specials JUST ADDED click here)
Ten percent incentive: When you present a receipt from another DFA member, you get 10% off at the following stores:
Coffee House on Second & Bridge (and other specials)
Vue Optique: Offering a $100 gift card to anyone who purchases a prescription pair of eyewear (not valid with insurance or discounted items) on Small Business Saturday.
Heirloom Shop: All Fall items, including the Fall Byers Choice Carolers, are 50% off
Yarrow Acres: Serving Hot Mulled Cider and sampling of our Yarrow Acres’ salsas, butters, cheese balls, and dips.
We will update this list as we receive more information
