Faribault Hometown Holiday Shopping

Weekly Themes
November 29, 30 & Dec. 1            Shopping Opener
December 6, 7, 8                            Customer Appreciation
December 13, 14, 15                     Hometown Holidays
December 20, 21, 22                     Last Minute Values

• CLICK HERE for the print version of the Hometown Holiday Calendar of Events! Use this to hang in your business or hand out to customers. If you prefer you can contact a member printer for a supply of these calendars. The calendar will be updated weekly based on the four weekly themes. Check back here next week.
• Please send your special holiday events to chamber@faribaultmn.org or fax to 507-334-1003
• The local media will be presenting options for you to buy that support the overall theme and weekly promotions.
• CLICK HERE to download promotional cards for your store.. (Please remember to set your printer to the correct setting to have the promotional card print back to back.)

*CLICK HERE to view valuable Holiday Crime Prevention Tips.

Each of the next weekend themes give you a focus for your holiday promotions. 

November 29, 30 & Dec. 1                    Holiday Opener

• Get into the spirit of the holidays with the Holiday Opener. 
• Bring out the music, the decorations and treats for your customers. 
• Make sure all the decorating is done and the welcome mat is out!
• Print the Hometown Holiday card available on the chamber website and hand it out to your customers to promote the holiday season!
• Print the calendar of events and hang it up in your store!

December 6, 7, 8                           Customer Appreciation

• Roll out the red carpet for your customers on Customer Appreciation Weekend.  Give special offers to repeat shoppers
• Make a special effort to thank each shopper for shopping in Faribault, whether they purchase or not. 
• Use the Holiday Calendar promo card to promote shopping locally!

December 13, 14, 15                              Hometown Holidays

• Feature the special products and services that remind people of home and the warm feeling we all search for over the holidays.
• Faribault postcards are available if you want to sell them or offer them with any purchase
• Put out a registration box and have an in store drawing
• Make up a coupon for after the holidays – good through January and give it to shoppers this weekend to entice them back after the holidays

December 20, 21, 22                              Last Minute Values

• Get ready for the last minute panic shoppers, offer free gift wrapping, have items grouped by price to make the quick decisions easier. 
• Everyone needs a little holiday cheer by now – pass out cookies or hot chocolate!  Don’t forget to do all your own shopping locally too!

Make sure you share your promotional plans with everyone who works at your store.

For Downtown Businesses

Holiday Opener
Get into the spirit of the holidays with the Holiday Opener. 

Thursday November 29                    4-7 pm
Friday, November 30                        4-7 pm
Saturday December 1                      9-3 pm

            Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Contest begins at 5 pm

Kick off the Holiday Shopping with simultaneous lighting at 5 pm.   And get a timer to keep your window glowing each night until 10 pm. 

Committee members are arranging for choirs and Santa and carolers and hope to have sleigh rides too. 

Please consider contributing to the Hometown Holiday fund to cover the cost of Santa’s appearances and printing.

Holiday Window Display Contest:  Use white lights to frame your window and your imagination and dress up your windows for the holiday season.  If you need help – your block leader will help arrange for a youth group or local non-profit to decorate your window for you!  Mystery judges will be out on Thursday November 29 and the winners will be featured in the Sunday December 2 Faribault Daily News.  Not into it?  Get your favorite charity or youth group to decorate your windows for you!  We need everyone displaying the holiday message!  Faribault Hometown Holiday Shopping.  Block Leaders will be working on getting empty store fronts decorated – offer to help if you can!

Block Leaders:           

000 Block        Sharon Geyer (334-7774) & Judy Saye-Willis (332-7210)

100 Block        Lynn Cook (331-1041) & Lisa Humfeld (333-5388)

200 Block        Jules Mertz (333-0800) & Dee Bjork (331-2703)

300 Block        Sue Jensen (507) 209-1800 & Marcia Morris Beck (333-2979)

400 Block        Jackie Carlander (333-0800) & Lynn Cook (331-1041)

500 Block and Side Streets    Mary Isaacson (334-4381)

Here’s what you do:

• Fill in the tear off participation form and get it to your block leader or fax it in to the chamber office at 334-1003
• Decorate your windows and your store for the holidays before November 29.
• Be sure to let the chamber know about any special events you are planning, Santa appearances, musical groups, special artists, or any holiday activity (beyond the regular sale of your usual merchandise)   This calendar of events will be posted on the on-line and available in downtown stores too.
• A calendars of events, downtown brochure and promotional cards will be available for printing at Faribault Print Shop.  Contact Milo at 334- 4448 to place your order directly.  You can also download these items from the chamber website and print them yourself.