| Martin Historical Business District Campaigns for Shopping At Home | | | With business owners and Martin’s local government continuing an aggressive interest in the development of maintaining the diverse history of the downtown area, the Martin Historical Business District (MHBD) is holding an open house this coming weekend. The event will be held on Nov. 10th and 11th with the main objective focusing on shopping for Christmas items at home.
“Shopping at Home” campaigns are not new, but with innovative, spirited renovations in the historical business district, leaders of MHBD are concentrating on a variety of promotional concepts reflecting the uniqueness of the downtown area as well as calling the weekend’s activities “Santa’s First Stop.”
Retail businesses in and around the historical downtown district are offering specials and joining together to spotlight their wares throughout the weekend. Unique holiday items such as Christmas dinnerware and tree decorations are already on display. Antique stores owners, a staple of the district, are showcasing their traditional items that are indigenous to the South as well as aged holiday items that would be an addition to any local home in celebrating the holiday season.
“The more we spend money in our local economy, the more it grows and flourishes,” Lynette Wagster, president of MHBD, said. “This weekend’s event is designed for our community to have fun, but we also want to keep our money local and we want people to shop in Martin.”
MHBD is offering entertainment on both days. Music teacher Reba Wade will bring her students to the library on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the C.E. Weldon Library. The following day, singer Tassi Renee from Paris will be singing as well from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa’s first appearance of the holiday season will be hosted by the MHBD as well on Sunday at Santa’s House on lawn of the gazebo downtown.
Members of the association will also be selling hot cocoa and popcorn from the gazebo on both days.
Wagster said that spotlighting the distinctiveness of the area is the association’s priority. From spending the day at the spa at Styles on Broadway to checking into the latest electronic trend at Radio Shack, there are unique gift items that be purchased in the District.
The District is also under development. Recent renovations made by business owner Ronnie Stoker can be seen which will revitalize Lindell Street are underway with the upgrade of several older businesses giving them a new life, including Vicki’s Designer Touch. Warner Pace, who owns Kirklands, also is renovating one of the older building into a meeting hall which, when open, will be called The Lindell.
Wagster sees the improvement as a positive enhancement for all of Martin. Currently, the sidewalks on Lindell Street are being replaced. Renovations and upgrades to Broadway over the years have given the downtown area a new purpose.
“Although the sidewalk replacement is inconvenient for some of us who work downtown,” she added, “this good for our town. The history of this area is important, and I’m delighted to see all of these development being done in the spirit of progressive growth. It’s something that we all can be proud of.”
“We are all working together,” Wagster said. “We wish for all of Martin and Weakley County to do their holiday shopping at home. We want to make people aware of how each dollar spent locally multiplies providing jobs and opportunities.”
Everyone is invited to come out and participate in this year’s early-bird Christmas shopping event – the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season. | | | | |
