Here’s how to win a $500 holiday shopping spree and support downtown Macon businesses

Whether it’s looking for that unique Christmas gift or helping to support a locally-owned business, shoppers now have an extra incentive to shop Saturday in downtown Macon.

Shoppers have a chance to win a $500 holiday shopping spree as a part of this year’s Small Business Saturday, courtesy of NewTown Macon and downtown businesses.

To participate, customers will go on a scavenger hunt of sorts.

Each of the 22 participating businesses will hide a limited edition of a “Shop Small 2021” sticker designed by local artist Mama Hawk Draws in their store, and each customer that finds one will be entered in a drawing for the giveaway.

Also, customers who find a sticker get to keep it as a souvenir.

“The goal is for us with NewTown and our Main Street board and all of that is to get people shopping with downtown businesses, and we’re really fortunate downtown that pretty much every business is a local, independently owned business,” said Emily Hopkins, director of place at NewTown Macon.

Businesses participating in the “Shop Small Sticker Hunt” are 567 Center for Renewal, 7th Street Salvage Downtown, 7th Street Warehouse, Ambitious Graphics, Bert Maxwell Furniture, Bike Tech Macon, Cherio Liquors, Chic Culture, Comics Plus, Daphne’s 525, Dot’s Forget Me Knots, Frankie’s Boutique, Fresh Produce Records, Global Sole, House of X-Art Gallery, Macon Arts Alliance, Macon Bagels, Ocmulgee Outfitters, Pink Chief Boutique, Travis Jean Emporium + The Bohemian Den, Union Furniture, and Wear.

“Small businesses always produce most of the jobs that are created in America,” said Josh Rogers, president and CEO for NewTown Macon. “But there’s also a huge multiplier when people shop local.

“It helps support local government. It helps support local schools. The money that gets spent with local businesses gets re-spent with other local businesses. Instead of buying online or in a big box store, it has a much bigger impact.”

For every $100 spent with a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the community but only $43 when spending the same amount at a national chain or other non-local business, according to a study by Civic Economics.

“This year, there are practical reasons, too, with all the supply-chain shortages,” Rogers said. “A lot of people want to be able to go find something on a shelf. So, it’s a great opportunity this year for people to do what’s most convenient but also to do what’s most helpful for the local community and economy.”

Downtown businesses also afford the opportunities to find unique gifts, Hopkins said.

“Our business owners are really good about curating what they have in their stores,” she said. “So, they’re going through that trouble for you of finding those items that are really special and really unique.”

The Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday with the Macon Pops concert, is another great opportunity to come out and support downtown businesses to see the light show, Hopkins said.

Also, Christmas in Downtown is coming up Dec. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. with a holiday market set up on Poplar Street with local artisans. Photos with Santa, hot chocolate and ornament painting also are part of that event.

“We’re promoting shopping small all season long,” Hopkins said. “We hope that everybody will keep downtown Macon at the top of their mind as they’re crossing items off their list this season.

“There are lots of opportunities to come downtown to take in the sights and the sounds of the holidays and get festive and get your shopping done.”

Downtown Macon boasts 44 retailers, 58 restaurants, eight art galleries, 31 bars and entertainment venues and five historic theaters that are all locally owned and operated.

Downtown Perry

Customers shopping in downtown Perry for Small Business Saturday will have a chance to win $250 in “downtown dollars” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How it works: Shoppers who collect 20 tokens from participating stores and restaurants will be entered in the giveaway.

For each store or restaurant customers visit, they’ll get a token, and with a purchase, a second token.

Tokens must be turned in by 4:15pm at the Perry Main Street tent located at 901 Carroll St., with winners announced on Monday.

Dec. 8, businesses in downtown Perry are participating in Holiday on Carroll with fire truck rides and selfies with Santa for children from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. “The Polar Express” will be shown on the lawn of the old courthouse afterward with ugly Christmas sweaters encouraged. Hot chocolate, cider and goodies will be available to purchase.

Forsyth

Downtown Forsyth also is having a “Shop Small” event as part of its Small Business Saturday.

The event includes a tree lighting ceremony on the square at 6 p.m. with local businesses offering special deals. Santa will be on hand for photo opportunities.

Closed

Meanwhile, for those who traditionally have shopped on Thanksgiving Day in the past, don’t head out the door without checking first. Some large national retailers won’t be opening their doors, including Target, Macy’s, Kohls and Walmart, according to The Associated Press.