It’s the Most Wonderful Friday of the Year: Plaid Friday Comes to Old Town
How is it almost Thanksgiving time? I know every year we all collectively say this, but when I looked at my calendar and realized it was time to start talking about holiday shopping – I couldn’t believe it. Of course, we’ve been getting ready behind-the-scenes, but now we really have to put more pep in our step and start hustling.
The event that traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping season for the big box retail community is Black Friday. In the small business world, the one we’re most grateful to be part of is Plaid Friday.
Thanks to Danielle Romanetti, the owner of fibre space, Old Town’s Plaid Friday is the biggest shopping event in the region. There is no other community that joins together like the businesses in Alexandria. Danielle had the idea about 15 years ago. I think she went it alone in 2008 and started her own Black Friday, then in 2009 after we had become friends she asked me to join in the fun. I had declined as my son had just been born and I wanted to head to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving. I promised her I would partake in 2010, secretly hoping it wouldn’t happen. Well my phone rang and Danielle reminded me of my commitment.
Since then, I’ve never traveled away for Thanksgiving again. I think about eight stores took part that first year. We all opened at 6 am (which I thought was crazy!) and then until 8 am all the stores were 30 percent off. At 8 am we moved to 20 percent off, and then at 10 we moved to 10 percent off for the rest of the day.
Photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria
It was a HUGE success. I couldn’t believe it. People were lined up at the door in the dark, and business was steady all day. Since then, the event continues to grow. It isn’t just stores, it now includes restaurants, fitness studios, salons and really everyone that owns a business in Old Town. People from across the region "shop small" on Plaid Friday. And I can’t believe I am saying this, but it’s a fun day. This year, both of my kids are opening at 6 am with me – it’s a family affair for us.
We are opening all three stores at 6 am with 30 percent off everything! Even if an item is already on sale, it will be 30% off that sticker price. Merch will be 30 percent off even if we just unpacked it and checked it in on Wednesday. And even if it’s something we’re not allowed to mark down, it will be 30 percent off! Until 8 am that is. Then it goes to 20 percent and at 10 am the stores will stay at 10 percent off for the remainder of the day.
We can’t do price adjustments on earlier purchases and we can’t honor the discount if you aren’t in store. After all, there has to be some reward for getting up at 6 am the day after Thanksgiving! If you are out of town and miss out on the fun you can shop online for Cyber Monday and receive 20 percent off all purchases online.
We hope to see you bright and early Friday, November 24. We have so many great gifts for all ages. It is a great time to Shop Small and support the Alexandria business community. See the businesses participating in Plaid Friday, and recheck as it regularly updates. Stores will have maps on-hand on Friday to help direct you to all the great deals.
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