We all know about the crazy turkey-fueled masses that converge at stores the day after Thanksgiving. If you’re not the type to wake up at the crack of dawn to stand in line for hours to get a good deal, local stores and boutiques in Cleveland have their answer to Black Friday. Plaid Friday is a spin on the traditional Black Friday madness, and encourages shoppers to support local stores and boutiques for their holiday purchases. What started out as a grassroots campaign in Oakland, California a few years ago has now reached Ohio.
MJ Lehman, owner of Nicky Nicole boutique in Hudson, Woodmere and Westlake, says, “It’s the opposite of black. It’s colorful; it’s creative.”
The best part is that it keeps your sanity intact. Most stores participating in the campaign this year will open at their regular times, and because smaller crowds are anticipated, there’s no need to wake up early and stand in line.
Events happening on Friday at independent shops in the Cleveland area include special sales and promotions, luminarias around town, caroling and an appearance by Santa and his elves. For a complete list of participating stores and their sales, please visit merchantsofhudson.com.
Michael Ziegenhagen, owner of Play Matters Toys stores in Pepper Pike, Shaker Square, Mentor and Solon, says it best, “We want you to enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and not worry about setting an alarm for the next morning.”
