SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Now that Sioux Falls has thawed out, retailers are seeing more people out and about.
“We definitely see everybody getting out and loving to explore our downtown community, getting out to Falls Park, just enjoying the outdoors, finally, and the fresh air,” Mary’s Mountain Cookies store owner, Becky McElroy said.
And the downtown retailers are giving people even more motivation to get out and get in to their stores as part of the Spring Fling initiative.
“I think as small retailers, our two biggest assets are the people who show up and support small businesses, our customers and our fellow business owners. We root for each other, share ideas, share resources, and an event like Spring Fling helps us celebrate both of those things,” Terra Shepherd Boutique owner, Sara Jamison said.
At Terra Shepherd Boutique, they are having a special pop-up.
“I’ve partnered with one of my fair trade partners who actually used to reside in this space, 10,000 Villages, to showcase these beautiful handmade flowers. So we’re doing our own flower market. Pop up folks can pop in and they can make their own bouquet. And we have everything set up to get them going,” Jamison said.
Each store will be giving a $25 dollar gift card out to people who come in and register, no purchase necessary. There’s an easy way to figure out which stores are taking part in the event.
“Those that are participating in the Spring Fling will have decorations in their windows that are paper plates that look like flowers. So we’re kind of collaborating with that restaurant week with the paper plates side of things kind of tying in that theme,” McElroy said.
Mary’s Mountain Cookies and Terra Shepherd are just 2 out of the 27 participating businesses hoping to motivate people to shop local.
“It’s very helpful locally to keep our tax dollars here and the money here because that is supporting. We are also a family owned business that helps support and donates locally to local charities,” McElroy said.
“I tell our customers I’m very open and honest all the time. We don’t exist without you,” Jamison said.
Spring Fling is running from April 12-19.
List of participating stores:
AlcoveBella Rosa Flower MarketCombineChild’s Play ToysGist Wine ShopGreat Outdoor StoreLauriebellesMary’s Mountain CookiesMatchbox Candle CompanyMidnight SparkMINT + BASILMK Threads BoutiqueNyberg’s AcePasque BoutiquePlum’sPrimp BoutiqueSay Anything JewelrySerendipity Studio Gallery and GiftsSimply PerfectSticks and SteelTerra Shepherd Boutique & ApothecaryThe Green PennyThe Spice and Tea ExchangeThomas James and Bechtold JewelryVital Flow InfusionsZandbroz Variety605 Running Company
