By James Windell
What better way to kick off the holiday season in South Haven than by going on a shopping spree. And to make it even more enjoyable, more than 40 business in the downtown area will be decked out in the fashion and décor of one of the decades of the 20th century for Shop ‘Til You Drop Through the Decades.
Shop ‘Til You Drop Through the Decades will take place in South Haven on Saturday, November 9 beginning at 10:00 am. Each participating business will feature exclusive offers and promotions as shoppers will be able to stock up on personal items or gifts for the holidays.
At Janny’s Beach House, 517 Phoenix Street, for instance, the 1920’s look will be on full display. Amy Prince, manager and buyer at Janny’s, says that their shop, which specializes in casual and comfortable clothes, will be offering two $100 prizes plus a grand prize of a basket filled with some of Janny’s employee’s favorite items as well as a gift card.
In addition to all of the staff wearing roaring 20s costumes, Janny’s will have refreshments and appetizers for customers.
A few doors down at 507 Phoenix Street, Renaissance will be sporting the 1970’s look.
According to Josie Dillon, Renaissance owner, the fashions of the 1970s are back in style. “That look, with embroidered velvet and baggy jeans, has made a comeback,” Dillon says.
Dillon added that “This is an event we look forward to every year because it is a chance for women to break loose and go shopping while men are hunting.”
Layla Byrd, owner of Haven, 550 Phoenix Street, says she and her shop will take on a 1960s look for the day. “We will have a store-wide discount of 20%,” Byrd says. “And if you spend $100 or more, you get a free gift.”
Haven will also have available food and drink – all related to the 1960s.
Lakeshore Trends, a trendy clothing store at 319 Center Street, will be featuring the fashions of the 1950s.
Besides serving hot cocoa, cookies and pasta fagioli, a food favorite from last year’s shopping event, store owner Renee Paliani will be handing out free gifts with purchases. “We will award a free basket worth $200 to one lucky customer,” Paliani says.
One of the features of Shop ‘Til You Drop this year will be a Shopping Passport Challenge. When you pick up a shopping passport at the first participating store you visit, you can collect a stamp at each succeeding participating shop when you spend a minimum of $15.00. At the end of the day, you can take your shopping passport to Harbor Light Brewery, 516 Phoenix Street, before 6:00 pm for a chance to win one of six prizes.
Any time you need a rest during the shopping event, you can stop off at any one of several businesses that offer food and refreshing beverages. Along with Harbor Light Brewery, Cafe Julia, 561 Huron Street, Cookies on Call, 406 Phoenix Street, Sweet Haven Candy, 411 Phoenix Street, and WE Coffee, 520 Phoenix Street, will be open for weary shoppers.
