FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: karen@northalabama.org
Downtown Gadsden Merchants Unite to Host Plaid Friday for Holiday Shopping
Decatur, Ala. (October 28, 2024) – The merchants of downtown Gadsden are getting in the holiday spirit, and as a more relaxing and enjoyable alternative to the big box store “Black Friday” chaos, shoppers are invited to Plaid Friday, a nationwide initiative that encourages shopping local and supporting small and independent retailers on the biggest day for holiday sales. The date for this year’s Plaid Friday is November 29, 2024.
Plaid Friday is a movement that offers an alternative to the fast pace of big box shopping while showing support for local merchants. It originated in Oakland, Calif. in 2009 and the name was chosen from the idea of weaving individual threads of small businesses together to create a strong fabric that celebrates independent businesses. Plaid Friday promotes the diversity and creativity of local and independent businesses and aims to transform holiday shopping for family and friends into a more connected, pleasurable activity than Black Friday. It is believed Downtown Gadsden is the only city in Alabama to host Plain Friday.
“As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Downtown Gadsden, Inc. would like to remind everyone of the importance of shopping and dining local this season. The traditional post-turkey shopping frenzy known as Black Friday can feel overwhelming, chaotic and impersonal. This year on Friday, November 29, opt for Plaid Friday as a way to slow down and shop with your friends and neighbors in a relaxed downtown environment,” said Kay Moore, Downtown Gadsden, Inc. (DGI) director.
Plaid Friday precedes Small Business Saturday, meaning holiday shoppers can turn their two-day, post-Thanksgiving shopping excursions into 48 hours of opportunities to support small businesses.
Shoppers should look for signage or hashtags on social media, such as #plaidfriday, #shoplocal and #dinelocal and are encouraged to wear plaid clothing on Plaid Friday to show support for locally owned businesses in the community.
Moore went on to say, “Plaid Friday isn’t just about finding great gifts; it’s about investing in our own community. Every dollar spent here means so much more because it goes back into our local economy, strengthening our neighborhoods and supporting jobs. All you need to do is to pull that plaid out of your closet to show your support and meet your friends for a slower pace and less chaotic day downtown.”
Moore added that several stores will be offering extended hours; however, shoppers should check with each store to confirm their holiday shopping hours. For a list of DGI member businesses, visit https://downtowngadsden.com/member_type/retail/. Downtown Gadsden is also filled with a nice selection of local-owned restaurants that are sure to please the whole family. Visit https://downtowngadsden.com/member_type/restaurants/ ahead of time to see what is available and to make a plan.
For more information, visit www.downtowngadsden.com.
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About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.7 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, golf courses, restaurants, accommodations and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.
