Downtown Gadsden to Host Plaid Friday for Holiday Shopping

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Director of Marketing & Communications

Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381

Downtown Gadsden to Host Plaid Friday for Holiday Shopping

Decatur, Ala. (October 16, 2023) – 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 on the biggest day for holiday sales, November 24, 2023.

“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 24, 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 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.

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.

“Shopping in downtown Gadsden with our decorated historic storefronts while walking along the festive sidewalks will put you in the perfect holiday state of mind,” said Moore. “We appreciate everyone who looks for ways to support our local shops and boutiques as we head into the Christmas season. 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 $4.3 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.