We are giving the holiday shopping season back to the small, independently-owned businesses.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) November 12, 2015
The historic retail corridors of West Town are hosting their annual holiday shopping extravaganza, West Town WinterFest, on November 28th (#ShopWestTown, #WinterFest, http://www.westtownchicago.com/events/). This year, the event takes place in conjunction with American Express’ Small Business Saturday, which drives business to mom-and-pop shops (including many restaurants) and helps fuel local economies the day after Black Friday when big box stores dominate the market. From 12 pm to 7 pm, West Town WinterFest 2015 will offer the best in local shopping and dining for the holidays by interconnecting dozens of West Town businesses on Division, Chicago and Grand via Jolly Trolley Tours and extending incentives to those who spend.
“We are giving the holiday shopping season back to the small, independently-owned businesses by showcasing the one-of-a-kind-finds from local artisans, galleries and boutiques in the neighborhood,” said Kara Salgado, Executive Director of the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce. “West Town WinterFest is an economic development initiative intended for the community to put their money where they live.”
During the day, families are invited to shop for the holidays in chauffeured style. Multiple Jolly Trolleys will run continuously throughout the weekend, offering festgoers curated Shopping Tours. The 3-hour tours will run between 12 pm – 3 pm and 4 pm – 7 pm, each featuring six Shop Stops at different retail businesses throughout West Town and one Hospitality Stop at a local restaurant or bar mid-tour to sample holiday treats and drinks. A list of Shop Stop locations and tickets for the Jolly Trolley Shopping Tours are on sale through EventBrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-town-winterfest-tickets-19175443267). As an added bonus, West Town WinterFest shoppers who spend $15 on a Jolly Trolley Shopping Tour ticket will get a $30 Shop West Town gift certificate in return – to be used at participating West Town businesses in January or February. Those who do not wish to buy tickets for the curated Jolly Trolley Shopping Tours are still invited to attend West Town WinterFest for free (no tickets or admittance fee necessary to visit participating locations on own).
At the heart of West Town WinterFest is the businesses that line West Town’s storied retail corridors. Produced by the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce, the event’s participating shops and restaurants are planning to run special sales while offering unique holiday shopping experiences. Adding to the West Town WinterFest vibe will be streets and stores decorated with holiday décor and the "Shop the Block" pop up retail event happening simultaneously on Chicago and Damen. At the center of it all will be the official West Town WinterFest headquarters, EuroFurniture, at 2145 W. Grand. “The focus this year is on bringing shoppers back to the local community during a time when big marketers demand most of the attention,” added Salgado.
About the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce:
The West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce fosters community and economic development by empowering businesses with information, networking opportunities, marketing, and other programming. The chamber extensively promotes the unique elements of the West Town neighborhoods and strives to engage the public through the organization of special events that highlight existing businesses and attract consumers and new businesses to the West Town area. The chamber serves as a channel through which members can cultivate a diverse, symbiotic, and growth-oriented community.
Media Contact:
Jody Grimaldi
630-470-0044
Jody(dot)Grimaldi(at)Gmail(dot)com