SAULT STE. MARIE — Warmer spring weather means it’s time for shopping in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
On Friday, May 16, a total of 23 small businesses in downtown Sault are participating in Ladies Night Out. The annual tradition started as a way to celebrate local women while promoting small businesses and offering unique shopping opportunities.
While it is often organized by the Downtown Development Authority, this year it is being hosted by the Sault Downtown Business Co-Op.
“A lot of businesses have gotten involved through our new group,” said Jill Rambo, owner of two downtown gift shops participating in the event. “It’s a group not just of retailers but also restaurateurs and bar owners.”
This year’s theme centers around spring, as some owners will decorate their shops with floral patterns and other brightly colored designs.
While in previous years a specific shop would be the starting point, this year shoppers can start at any of the participating businesses. From there, they will pick up a card with a list of the participating stores.
For each location they visit and spend more than $5 at, participants will earn a stamp on their card. At the end of the evening, participants will meet at the Ojibway Hotel for an afterparty and to be entered into a drawing.
Every participating business has donated at least one item to be included in the drawing. For every business that a participant has crossed off on their card, their name will be entered into the drawing another time.
“The more stores you shop at, the more entries into the grand prize you get,” said Rambo. “A lot of the stores also give away something extra in their own store like gift cards.”
During Ladies Night Out, participating businesses will each have their own promotions going on, ranging from special discounts to drinks or appetizers to live music.
“We’re all looking forward to it this year, it gives downtown a big buzz and brings in so many people,” said Rambo.
Despite the name, Ladies Night Out is not exclusive to women and people of any gender can participate.
The event will kick off at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16, and the afterparty will begin at 7 p.m. More information can be found on the Sault Downtown Business Co-Op’s Facebook page.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Spring shopping: Downtown Sault stores come together for Ladies Night Out on May 16
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
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