West Alabama shoppers support local business with “Celebrate Local” shopping event

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – People who love shopping were able to “Celebrate Local” one day this week.

Tourism and commerce leaders asked shoppers to focus their attention on local businesses in the Tuscaloosa area in an effort to support them at a time when some may be seeing far fewer customers than other times during the year.

Visit Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama hosted the event at the Tuscaloosa River Market where customers were packed soon after the doors opened.

More than 40 businesses participated in “Celebrate Local,” a free family friendly even that features retailers and vendors from across west Alabama. Shoppers could sample a variety of clothes, jewelry, home decor, and more.

Organizers started “Celebrate Local” to help local businesses whose sales suffer during a time when many University of Alabama students are out of town between the end of spring classes and the start of summer school.

“It really is a unique opportunity to get one on one, face to face time with new customers and existing customers,” said Visit Tuscaloosa Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jimmy Hart. “To get that feedback, capture those opinions, but hopefully establish those relationships to continue business throughout the year.”

Later this month, Visit Tuscaloosa and the Chamber encourage people who like to dine out to pick a spot in the Tuscaloosa area and get a meal for “Restaurant Week.” That’s happening from June 23 through 29.

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