FeedsRetailers ready for rush
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Customers like Annette Davis, left, are drawn to the new shops in downtown Plymouth and innovative proprietors like Brian Frydl.Before shoppers drive across Wayne County or rely on the Home Shopping Network to complete their gift lists, Plymouth downtown merchants want them to visit the bustling shopping district in their town.
With promotional events and discounted items, Plymouth businesses anticipate a very profitable holiday season to keep pace with shopping malls and larger department stores.
“We’ll have our doors unlocked and we hope people kick them in,” said Brian Frydll, owner of That’s Awesome—a trendy boutique that sells home furnishings, ladies clothing jewelry, handbags and other accessories.
Frydl, who has been in business on S. Main Street for more than a year, said his advertising and promotional budget is tight but he plans to use the holidays to multiply a growing stream of steady customers pushing the boutique’s growth.
Frydll plans to have a few promotional events in his boutique including light refreshments as a thank you to his customers and the residents of Plymouth.
“We’re at a great location and exposure has been great,” said Frydll who has an additional attraction to his business. Salon Awesome, a hair salon operated by his wife, Rachelle, is directly attached to the boutique and becomes an entry for customers to explore both of the Frydll’s business ventures.
With more than 100 retail and dining establishments including the Penn Theatre, officials from the Downtown Plymouth Development Authority (DDA) believe downtown Plymouth is the place to be.
“As always our mission is to encourage the residents of Plymouth to go shopping and dining their own downtown,” said Sherrie Pryor, operations director of (DDA) who said a special emphasis is place on having Plymouth residents and visitors shop during the holidays.
“We want downtown Plymouth to be on the top of people’s minds when it comes to the holiday season.”
Tia Williamson, co-owner of the upscale Magnolia Fresh Flower Market, will prepare for the busy shopping season by having weekly special on a specific flower every week throughout December.
The shop is also prepared to sell mistletoe and poinsettias to area families preparing their home for the holidays. “As far as Christmas goes, centerpieces sell very well,” said Williamson who will also provide Christmas ornaments and other giftware for customers.
Despite opening Magnolia’s a month ago, Williamson said the Plymouth community has been very supportive and loyal to Plymouth businesses.
“Plymouth likes to keep its business local. It’s a great downtown business community. We really like it here.”
