Submitted

RUSSELL – The Friday after Thanksgiving means Black Friday to most, but locally owned businesses in Russell are urging shoppers to celebrate Plaid Friday instead. Plaid Friday is a fun and enjoyable alternative to the chaos of Black Friday, and is designed to promote 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. Hosted by Encore Antiques & Collectables since 2010, Russell Area Plaid Friday continues to grow from the first community-wide event in 2014.

Russell County Economic Development and Convention & Visitors Bureau stepped in to support the local Plaid Friday efforts by providing a limited number of plaid shopping bags filled with goodies and local information. Shopping bags will be available at Encore Antiques & Collectables starting at 10:00 am. In addition to the shopping bag, individuals will receive the Russell Area Plaid Friday 2016 Shop Sheet, outlining bargains and special offers from twenty participating Plaid Friday retailers.

“At Encore, we encourage folks to wear plaid when they’re out and about as a visible reminder to think local first,” said Sheryl Krug, co-owner of Encore Antiques & Collectables and local Plaid Friday coordinator. “On Plaid Friday at Encore, we offer discounts to all shoppers, but reward those shoppers wearing plaid with a gift.” Other Russell retailers will be offering a variety of discounts and promotions.

The name Plaid Friday was conceived from the idea of weaving the individual threads of small businesses together to create a strong fabric celebrating the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. By shifting 10% of all holiday spending to locally-owned and independent businesses, our local communities receive a true holiday gift.