DRA joins Shop Small initiative to support local economy and retail community
RALEIGH, NC (November 13, 2014) –The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) has joined the Small Business Saturday initiative as part of its Shop Downtown Raleigh program to support the local economy and independent businesses. The DRA invites holiday shoppers to celebrate downtown’s culturally-exciting retail community on November 29 by patronizing Shop Downtown Raleigh merchants. Created by American Express in 2010, the national initiative marks a day to support local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. The event encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
With downtown Raleigh continuing its on-going revitalization, residents and visitors have discovered the blossoming retail community in the heart of the capital city. According to DRA’s State of Downtown Raleigh 2014 report, in 2013, forty-four new street level businesses opened, over half of which were retail establishments. More than 95% of downtown retail shops are independently owned by local entrepreneurs. Small Business Saturday offers patrons a unique opportunity to visit a wide variety of independent and eclectic shops in downtown’s growing shopping destination.
“Downtown Raleigh has one of the highest concentrations of local and independently owned stores in the Triangle,” said David Diaz, DRA President and CEO. “This program helps to recognize those small businesses that are thriving in our growing central business district.”
As shoppers walk the streets, dine at eateries, and wander in and out of stores searching for gifts, retailers will have their storefront faces designed with unique public art to create a festive ambiance during the holiday season. The storefront designs will be on display from November 29 until New Year’s Day, January 1. To further promote downtown merchants, the DRA encourages the public to spread holiday cheer by posting their favorite storefronts on Instagram and tag @downtownraleighalliance.
Follow all of the buzz @DowntownRaleigh with hashtag #DRsmallbizSat. For more information about DRA’s Shop Downtown Raleigh program, visit www.ShopDowntownRaleigh.com
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About Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA)
DRA is an award-winning nonprofit organization whose mission is to continue the revitalization of Raleigh’s downtown. The Alliance enhances the quality of life and positively impacts the economic success of downtown through five services: 1. Safety, Hospitality & Clean Ambassadors; 2. Strategic Branding & Community Communications; 3. Special Events Production; 4. Retail Attraction & Merchant Promotions; and 5. Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement. For more information about DRA, please visit www.youRhere.com.