Local boutiques are gearing up for “Pink Friday,” tomorrow, Nov 21. The Shop Pink movement is a nationwide initiative to promote small, local business on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Other national events, like “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday,” primarily benefit national retailers or online giant, Amazon.
In a recent survey, only 55% of Lakeland Chamber members said they intended to shop local this holiday season, according to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s blog.
“That’s sad to me,” said Amy Wiggins, president of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s our job as the Chamber to elevate our small businesses. This is a fun way for our business community to celebrate the local independent boutiques that contribute to our community’s vibrant economy.”
Chamber member boutiques participating in Pink Friday include:
- 8.28 Boutique
- Amelia Paige Boutique
- Bungalow Boutique and Gifts
- East of These
- Gaines Jewelers
- The Modern Pearl
- Tennessee Jane Boutique
- Top Buttons Boutique
In addition to the Chamber member boutiques, the recently opened Cowhide & Whiskey Boutique is excited to see what traffic the event will generate. Cowhide & Whiskey has taken over the 223 Kentucky Ave. storefront that was previously the Amelia Page Boutique. Amelia Page relocated to a new location in Lakeland Village at 1470 Town Center Dr.
“We love that we can go into these small boutiques and know the people who are making the decisions about what’s going on the shelves. It’s really purposeful and connected to the community,” Wiggins said.
Wiggins added that if Friday doesn’t work for you, “Any time is the right time to shop local.” Plenty of local retailers will also be participating in Small Business Saturday, which inspired the Pink Friday movement.
Launched in 2010, American Express’s successful Small Business Saturday campaign is estimated to have generated $223 billion for small businesses over the past 15 years.
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