Those looking to beat the holiday shopping crowds and support their local economy through shopping and dining have the opportunity to do both with the Friendly City’s annual Shop Petal First.
The 17th annual event is sponsored by the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce and will take place from Nov. 15 to 17.
“Shop Petal First is a win-win for everybody involved,” said Valerie Wilson, executive director of the chamber. “It’s a great weekend for merchants. The city says that in November our sales tax revenue skyrockets. Shoppers get a chance to win prizes and get deals. We’re beating Black Friday, so a lot of people can get good deals.”
More than 60 merchants will offer specials, discounts and door prizes to entice holiday shoppers to support local businesses in Petal, from gift certificates and gift baskets to free dining experiences and other assorted gift items.
Petal shopping will be divided into three color-coded areas – red, green and gold. Shoppers can enter into a drawing for a grand prize of $500 by visiting a participating store in each zone. Shoppers will present their entry forms to merchants to receive red, green or gold stickers.
After collecting all three stickers, entry forms can be dropped off at raffle boxes located in any of the participating stores.
A new feature this year is the Dine Petal First Cash Prize. Simply make a purchase at two participating restaurants and validate the entry form to be eligible to win $200 cash.
Restaurants participating include The Catfish Wagon, Chappell Hill Grocery & Restaurant, Corner Market Deli, El Mariachi Loco, Mom & Dad’s Country Cooking, Wards of Petal, Chilis, Dominos, McAlister’s Deli, Robin’s Wharf, Sullys and Zaxby’s.
While many of the stores will be offering markdowns, several Petal businesses will also be participating in giveaways.
Shop Petal First is about more than sales and prizes.
“It’s about local merchants, families, community, and desire to keep the Christmas season close to home,” said Wilson. “Keeping local businesses healthy is the key to Petal’s economic future.”
