Shop Small, Think Pink
Celebrate Pink Weekend and Support Local
By: Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
This holiday season, while everyone’s gearing up for Black Friday deals, let’s not forget about all the small businesses. This upcoming weekend is a perfect time to shop local, support your community, and uncover unique treasures that big-box stores just can’t offer. Small businesses are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. They bring character, charm, and a sense of adventure to your shopping experience. You never know what hidden gems or delicious surprises await you when you step into a local shop. While chain stores may offer predictability, small businesses offer something far more exciting: a personalized experience, an opportunity to make a difference, and a direct connection with the people behind the counter.
Small businesses need you now more than ever! Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but they’re under pressure. While experts recommend that businesses keep three to six months of operating reserves, most small businesses only have about 27 days’ worth. With inflation, rising costs, and staffing challenges, the future of many small businesses depends on your holiday shopping choices. Where you spend, your money could help decide which businesses will still be around next year.
When you shop small, you can see the difference you make. The gratitude you receive is real, the smiles are genuine, and the connection is personal. Small businesses don’t just serve customers—they build relationships. When you return, they’ll remember your name and appreciate your support.
Small businesses are the ones that support your community and children’s programs. From sponsoring your child’s sports team to supporting local nonprofits, small businesses are the ones who invest back into the community. But they can’t continue to do this without your help. When you shop small, you’re directly supporting these causes and making your neighborhood a better place.
Online retailers may be convenient, but they can’t replicate the personalized attention you get from a small-business owner or employee. Small business professionals know their products inside and out, ask the right questions, and offer tailored recommendations. Often, these conversations spark new ideas, opportunities, and stories you wouldn’t have experienced elsewhere.
The holiday season is full of magic, and there’s no better place to experience it than in a small business. From the scent of freshly baked treats to the sparkle of twinkle lights, in-person shopping at local stores creates an atmosphere you can’t get online. The sights, sounds, and smells of small business shopping make it an experience to remember – not just another transaction. For many small businesses, the holiday season is crucial. Up to 20% of small businesses rely on holiday sales to carry them through the rest of the year. If you don’t shop local during the holidays, it could affect the long-term viability of these businesses.
Looking for the perfect gift without breaking the bank? Small businesses often carry unique, one-of-a-kind items that you can’t find anywhere else. These thoughtful gifts make a lasting impression and won’t bust your budget. You can still find something special for everyone on your list without sacrificing quality or your financial well-being.
This year, you make a big impact by supporting small businesses during the 2nd Annual Pink Weekend! Local favorites SoAsh Haberdash and Local Mercantile, in partnership with Visit Ashland, are bringing together over 80 small businesses from Boyd and Greenup Counties for a weekend of festive shopping and community celebration.
During Pink Weekend you can explore pop-up shops, discover unique gifts, and join the fun at locations like the Boyd County Public Library Central Park Branch which will have over 15 pop-ups located inside and the Festival of Trees and Trains Gift Shop. Don’t forget to grab your Pink Weekend Passport to win exciting prizes!
Here is how you can participate and win:
Get your Pink Weekend Passport at any participating location or by visiting www.visitaky.com/pinkweekend to download.
Spend at least $15 at each spot to earn a stamp on your passport.
Share your shopping experience on social media with #AKYxRKY and tag your favorite spots.
Email a photo of your completed passport by Sunday, Nov. 24, before 11:59 p.m. to: brandy.clark@visitaky.com.
Each photo shared on social media gets you one entry into the prize draw. More stamps on your passport = more entries! Help us calculate the economic impact of Pink Weekend by sending your total dollar amount spent for a bonus 10 entries.
Don’t miss The Tipton Creative’s Pink Weekend giveaway! Here’s how to enter:
Follow our mural guide and visit the murals listed in driving order.
Take a photo with a mural (or two or three!).
Post your photo on social media and tag @TheTiptonCreative on Facebook or @thetiptoncreative on Instagram & TikTok. Don’t forget to follow them!
Each tagged mural photo = One entry to win a $50 gift card to a local business of your choice.
Remember, when you’re shopping small, you’re not just checking off your holiday list – you’re making a real difference. Don’t forget to check off The Tipton Creative on your Pink Weekend Passport!
Check out all the Pink Weekend details at www.visitaky.com/pinkweekend. This holiday season, your purchases can have a lasting impact. When you choose to shop small, you’re supporting the businesses that make our community unique and vibrant. Let’s make this Pink Weekend the best one yet by showing up, shopping local, and spreading the love. We can’t wait to see you there!
CHECK OUT THE PINK WEEKEND PASSPORT BELOW
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