With restaurants closing in-person dining in November and small businesses struggling to keep their doors open amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Downtown Holland is making it easy for shoppers to dine and shop local this holiday season.
Downtown Holland launched an "Eat Local" social media challenge, with a new "Eat Local" Challenge posted on the Downtown Holland Facebook page each week. By accepting the challenge and commenting on the Facebook post accordingly, customers have a chance to win a $50 gift card to the Downtown Holland restaurant of their choice.
"In a normal year, November and December are very busy times for the restaurant industry, as families, friends and co-workers get together to celebrate the holidays," said Kara de Alvare, Marketing Coordinator, Downtown Holland. "With COVID having a such a huge impact on local restaurants, it's more important than ever to give them our support. We want to encourage customers to order takeout and tip restaurant staff generously during this difficult time."
Not only is eating local important this holiday season, but so is shopping local, with many retailers relying on holiday shopping to carry them into the new year and beyond. To help promote shopping local this holiday season, Downtown Holland businesses are offering great deals, fun giveaways and exciting promotions including the Shopping Jam (December 12-19) and the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 13 -24). Retailers will be operating under occupancy restrictions and mask requirements as mandated by the MDHHS to help keep shoppers safe.
"Our Downtown Holland businesses also understand that not everyone is comfortable shopping in person right now," said de Alvare. "But there are still so many options to support local businesses all season long. Most retailers offer online shopping and will take orders over the phone for shipping or curbside pickup. You can also support local businesses by purchasing gift cards, giving them positive reviews online, liking, sharing and commenting on their social media posts and by encouraging your family and friends to shop local for holiday gifts this year."
Possibilities for memorable and special gifts abound. Shoppers could scoop up some first harvest Chilean olive oils at Fustini's; a luxurious Cashmere by Kerri Rosenthal piece at Studio k Clothing; premium-quality intimates, sleepwear and loungewear from Pretties Intimate Apparel; a new line of notecards, ornaments, mugs and coasters from Tulip Time; and more.
Customers are also encouraged to visit the Shop Downtown Holland and Dine Downtown Holland websites that were launched last spring to easily explore all of the retailer and restaurant offerings in Downtown Holland.
Courtesy of Downtown Holland.
Photo courtesy of Downtown Holland.
