With the holiday season just around the corner, area merchants are offering shoppers a chance to get a jump on their shopping lists with a special event Thursday.
Clay Lisenby, an organizer of the annual event, said the annual holiday kickoff is a chance showcase area merchants and their wares.
“We are happy to do this each year to encourage people to spend their money locally when they can,” Lisenby said. “This also offers a holiday break to our local patrons in the form of discounts on things you can get here.”
Lisenby said those merchants participating in the event have agreed to have special savings or other offerings at their business Thursday evening.
“This is like our version of ‘Small Business Thursday’ by promoting our small businesses,’ Lisenby said. “Each merchant will be offering things like discounts on purchases, refreshments and open house-style activities as well as door prizes and drawings of some sort. Each merchant has planned their own activities for the evening.”
Lisenby said the once-a-year event is a great opportunity for those who don’t typically shop with local merchants to find out more about what the city businesses have to offer.
“This is a great chance for shoppers to come out and see the things Brewton merchants have to offer before looking outside of town,” Lisenby said. “I think that some people might be surprised at what all we have to offer right here at home.”
Lisenby said the efforts of the Brewton Chamber of Commerce has been invaluable for the event.
“We appreciate all the Chamber has done to promote and help organize this event,” Lisenby said. “They have provided a great service to help this event be a success for our merchants.”
The event is planned for Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. throughout downtown and along Douglas Avenue, Lisenby said.
Participating merchants and their special offerings include Antigone’s on St. Joseph Avenue offering an open house with cookies and apple cider; 20 percent off storewide with some exclusions; Bonehead Boots on South Boulevard will be holding an open house with refreshments and a Christmas Celebration sale; The Changing Seasons on St. Joseph Avenue will be holding an open house with refreshments with gourmet item samples, a drawing for a holiday gift basket, first 50 customers receive a free gift, 20 percent off storewide with some exclusions, 60 percent off Halloween and fall merchandise, sale items in each room and Thursday only specials; David’s Catfish House on The Trails will offer dinner specials; JTs Restaurant on Belleville Avenue will be open until 7 p.m.; JusDo, Douglas Avenue will be open until 7 p.m.; KutnUp on St. Joseph Avenue will be hosting an open house with refreshments; The L House on St. Joseph Avenue will be offering photos with Santa until 7 p.m. with no appointment necessary; NDI Cracked Pot/Paris Market on Belleville Avenue will be holding an open house with refreshments with 25 percent off all Christmas accessories, 60 percent off all arrangements, any purchase of $50 or more will qualify for a 7:45 p.m. drawing to win a poinsettia in a must-be-present-to-win even; Orleans Po-Boys  on St. Joseph Avenue will host an open house with hot chocolate and cookies as well as Christmas Music, dinner specials, kids can write Dear Santa Letters and color; Southern Heirlooms on St. Joseph Avenue will host and open house with refreshments, 20 percent off entire store, lay-a-way and free gift wrapping, Brewton Dance Studio will perform on the Boardwalk; Thou Art on Douglas Avenue will be offering 10 percent all merchandise with some exclusions and door prize opportunities; The Treasure Chest on St. Joseph Avenue will offer 20 percent off storewide with some exclusions; Walgreen’s on Douglas Avenue will host an open house with refreshments, special offers and prize drawings; Weaver’s Apparel and Fine Jewelry on St. Joseph Avenue will offer an open house with refreshments, Yeti cooler giveaway, 20 percent off all fine jewelry, and 10 to 20 percent off storewide discounts.
Another shopping opportunity will be offered by Douglas Avenue merchants Saturday with a “Dancing and Prancing on Douglas” event being planned. Those participating in the event planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. are Brewton Family Chiropractic, Comfort Care Hospice, Herrington’s The Florist, JusDo, Longetivy, Thou Art and Pig Daddy’s BBQ.
For additional information concerning any of the holiday kickoff events, contact the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce at 867-3224.
Merchants will also be displaying information concerning activities and events during the event Thursday evening throughout Brewton.