In an effort to promote holiday shopping at small businesses, a new working group was formed in Clarence. Discover Main Street Clarence was created to brand the shops on Main Street as a major destination in the region.
Discover Main Street Clarence Promoter Noel Dill says the group showcases businesses that run from Transit Road through Clarence Hollow, as a place to shop, dine and discover.
“Main Street has a tradition of over 200 years. Clarence was the first township in Erie County and now we have a chance to really tell the story of the new Main Street that’s rising,” said Dill.
The group is also highlighting the importance of shopping local. Dill says small businesses also help make the community more vibrant.
“There have been statistics that said 52 cents on the dollar stays locally. It depends on the product. Some things that are very creative in nature, that number can be larger. Some things that are more retail oriented where you have a cost of goods, may be a little less. But, in all cases much more than when you have big box retailers that are selling product,” said Dill.
Discover Main Street Clarence will continue its efforts through advertising, events, and a social media campaign to attract spending and investment locally.
Merchants participating Discover Main Street Clarence in include: Alethea’s Chocolates, Asa Ransom House, Babycakes Cupcakery, Betsy Ross Costumes, Buffalo Road Imports, Clarence Deli, Clarence Eye Care, Clarence Hollow Antique Mall, Cozy Café & Catering, Dave Fahrenholtz State Farm Insurance, Dragon Fly Studio & Salon, Envisions, The Family Chocolate Shop, Gallagher Printing, Hyatt’s All Things Creative, McDuffies Bakery, Monkey See Monkey Do, Paula Deen Store, Paula’s Donuts, Pearle Vision, The Main Ingredient, and Clarence Hollow Wellness Center.
Those small businesses will be offering discounts to shoppers on Small Business Saturday. Check out the information on the discounts below:
Consumers can pick up their “passport” from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Goodrich Coffee at 9040 Main Street. If shoppers get their passport stamped at six of the participating Main Street businesses, they will become eligible for a Main Street Clarence gift basket filled with gift certificates totaling over $500. In addition, participating businesses will be offering over a special one-day only “Small Business Saturday” discount on goods and services. Goodrich Coffee will be providing free coffee from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on “Small Business Saturday” for shoppers picking up their passports.