Norwich Merchants Association’s First Thursdays kick off tomorrow
By Jayne Jaramillo
Sun Staff Intern
NORWICH – Summer is here with warm weather, sunshine and plenty to do in downtown Norwich, and the Norwich Merchants Association is hoping to add to that by organizing “First Thursdays.”
On the first Thursday of every month, from 6 to 8 p.m., businesses in the downtown area will team up with one from outside to offer promotions, discounts and prizes.
“It will allow exposure for businesses who don’t have storefronts,” said Linda McNeil, who chairs the marketing committee for the Merchants Association, along with her husband, Patrick McNeil.
McNeil Jewelers will be participating with free massages provided by A Touch of More Massage Therapy, custom baskets from Joy in a Basket and a 10 percent discount on any purchase.
“It hopefully will get more of our public downtown,” said Sally Franck of Joy in a Basket. “It’s really about promoting local business.”
Nice weather makes summer the perfect opportunity for local business promotion, according to McNeil. It’s an attempt to get people downtown in the summer months to enjoy everything Norwich has to offer, she said.
Downtown merchants often become ambassadors for the city’s business district when people ask them about places to go or eat, said Anna McLaughlin, president of the Merchants Association.
“When merchants get together, one of the things we talk about is word of mouth advertising,” she said.
McLaughlin’s Department Store has partnered with the Northeast Classic Car Museum. Every first Thursday in June, July and August, a purchase of $10 or more at McLaughlin’s will get a discount admission ticket to the museum. A First Thursday admission into the museum means a discount at McLaughlin’s.
McNeil said she hopes to see First Thursdays become an annual event and would like to see more participation, including artists and musicians set up on sidewalks. Ultimately, she said, the event is about “just people.”
Other participating businesses include Thymely Treasures, Norwich Implement, Hayes Office Products and The Parson’s Daughter.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Sharon Jeffer, owner of The Parson’s Daughter. “I would like to see downtown become more alive.”
Chris Hayes of Hayes Office Products agreed this might add to the retail experience in Norwich. Hayes has offered the sidewalk space in front of its building for Christman Motors to display a car.
“It’s definitely an idea that will evolve,” he said. “It’ll create a little more excitement and energy.”
McLaughlin said she hopes First Thursdays will echo the success of winter events like the Reindeer Run holiday promotion.
“We’re learning about one another as we do it too,” said McLaughlin. “The success of downtown depends on your neighbors.”
First Thursdays are scheduled for the first Thursday in June, July and August. For more information, visit shopnorwichny.com.
Sun Staff Intern
NORWICH – Summer is here with warm weather, sunshine and plenty to do in downtown Norwich, and the Norwich Merchants Association is hoping to add to that by organizing “First Thursdays.”
On the first Thursday of every month, from 6 to 8 p.m., businesses in the downtown area will team up with one from outside to offer promotions, discounts and prizes.
“It will allow exposure for businesses who don’t have storefronts,” said Linda McNeil, who chairs the marketing committee for the Merchants Association, along with her husband, Patrick McNeil.
McNeil Jewelers will be participating with free massages provided by A Touch of More Massage Therapy, custom baskets from Joy in a Basket and a 10 percent discount on any purchase.
“It hopefully will get more of our public downtown,” said Sally Franck of Joy in a Basket. “It’s really about promoting local business.”
Nice weather makes summer the perfect opportunity for local business promotion, according to McNeil. It’s an attempt to get people downtown in the summer months to enjoy everything Norwich has to offer, she said.
Downtown merchants often become ambassadors for the city’s business district when people ask them about places to go or eat, said Anna McLaughlin, president of the Merchants Association.
“When merchants get together, one of the things we talk about is word of mouth advertising,” she said.
McLaughlin’s Department Store has partnered with the Northeast Classic Car Museum. Every first Thursday in June, July and August, a purchase of $10 or more at McLaughlin’s will get a discount admission ticket to the museum. A First Thursday admission into the museum means a discount at McLaughlin’s.
McNeil said she hopes to see First Thursdays become an annual event and would like to see more participation, including artists and musicians set up on sidewalks. Ultimately, she said, the event is about “just people.”
Other participating businesses include Thymely Treasures, Norwich Implement, Hayes Office Products and The Parson’s Daughter.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Sharon Jeffer, owner of The Parson’s Daughter. “I would like to see downtown become more alive.”
Chris Hayes of Hayes Office Products agreed this might add to the retail experience in Norwich. Hayes has offered the sidewalk space in front of its building for Christman Motors to display a car.
“It’s definitely an idea that will evolve,” he said. “It’ll create a little more excitement and energy.”
McLaughlin said she hopes First Thursdays will echo the success of winter events like the Reindeer Run holiday promotion.
“We’re learning about one another as we do it too,” said McLaughlin. “The success of downtown depends on your neighbors.”
First Thursdays are scheduled for the first Thursday in June, July and August. For more information, visit shopnorwichny.com.
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