Submitted

RUSSELL — The Friday after Thanksgiving means Black Friday to most, but Encore Antiques & Collectables in Russell and other locally owned, independent businesses across the country are urging citizens to celebrate Plaid Friday instead.

Plaid Friday is a fun and enjoyable alternative to the chaos and dangers of Black Friday, and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.

Plaid Friday was first celebrated in 2009 in Oakland, Calif., a city known for strong “shop local” campaigns. The Plaid Friday movement is growing across the nation, and even more so in the Russell area.

Starting in 2010, Encore Antiques & Collectables hosted Plaid Friday events and in 2014 Encore Antiques encouraged participating businesses to become involved. The Russell County Convention & Visitors Bureau also stepped in to support the local Plaid Friday efforts by providing a limited number of plaid shopping bags filled with goodies and local information.

Once again, Encore Antiques &; Collectables is serving as the headquarters for Plaid Friday efforts in Russell County. Shoppers are encouraged to start their Plaid Friday adventures at Encore where they can pick up their plaid shopping bag and the Russell Area Plaid Friday Shop Sheet.

The Shop Sheet provides an overview of each local business that is participating in Plaid Friday activities. 

Any locally-owned, independent business in Russell County is welcome to participate in Plaid Friday. Suggested activities for Plaid Friday retailers include discounts, refreshments, entertainment, giveaways and drawings.

To be included on the Russell Area Plaid Friday Shop Sheet, retailers must contact Encore Antiques & Collectables no later than Friday, Nov. 13. For additional information, contact Encore Antiques & Collectables at (785) 445-8480 or stop by 590 S. Fossil, Russell.