Big-box retailers and nationally known brands aren’t the only ones getting in on the holiday shopping action.
For the second year in a row, the #ShopDTJax campaign is highlighting Downtown vendors offering sales, promotions and gifts throughout the holiday season.
The Downtown Marketing Collaborative is a group of organizations that banded together to raise awareness on all of Downtown’s offerings.
For the holiday season, that means deals starting with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
Like the Florida State College at Jacksonville Artist Series offering 25 percent off select performances through Monday.
And customers saving 10 percent off wares at the Frugal Diva or 15 percent off goods at Grease Rags Clothing Co. and Icon Boutique over the next two days.
Through its social media campaign, #ShopDTJax highlights the deals for the neighborhood’s small businesses.
“It’s a fun way to highlight merchants Downtown,” said Katherine Hardwick, Downtown Vision’s marketing director and collaborative representative. “Many of the entrepreneurs here don’t have the marketing dollars a large big-box store might have to get the word out … we have to give them a little love.”
Sherry Lyford would love to see that come in the form of more customers. The owner of River City Gourmet Shoppe in the Jacksonville Landing said this time of year — which features the Landing’s annual Christmas tree lighting and Light Boat Parade — always brings an uptick in business.
Every bit of spreading the word helps, though.
“I don’t think most people realize these are all mom-and-pop shops,” she said. “This is small business at its best.”
Another gift opportunity is for membership to the Downtown Vision, which comes with a “Discover Downtown” card that has more than 40 year-round deals at restaurants, shops and attractions in the urban core.
The alliance is Downtown Vision’s 501(c)3 division and charitable arm.
For a full listing of the vendors and their deals throughout the holiday season, visit downtownjacksonville.org or search for the #ShopDTJax hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
@writerchapman
(904) 356-2466