KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Under the COVID-19 pandemic, residents of Kalamazoo are being encouraged by the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership (KDP) to shop locally this holiday season.
In order to incentivize customers, stores in the downtown area will be participating in Small Business Saturday during each Saturday of December. Normally, Small Business Saturday would only take place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
The organization released a 2020 Downtown Kalamazoo Holiday Gift Guide to give customers an idea of what to expect when shopping downtown.
During these events, shoppers can purchase Downtown Dollars, which function like a gift card that can be used at participating locations. The purchase of $20 in Downtown Dollars will result in an extra free $5, while supplies last.
Shoppers will also receive an “I Shopped Local – Downtown Kalamazoo” pin. Officials encourage residents to post photos with the pin to help spread awareness of shopping locally.
In addition, a Holiday Mall Market featuring local vendors and entrepreneurs will be set up outdoors on the North Kalamazoo Mall during these Saturday events.
Officials are asking participants to wear masks even when shopping outdoors, and to maintain appropriate social distance. The Holiday Mall Market will take place from 4-8 p.m. on December 5, 12 and 19.
This development comes as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is also encouraging Michigan residents to purchase gifts from local Michigan businesses during the holiday season.
During a press conference held Tuesday, December 1, Whitmer remarked that she has purchased gifts from local Kalamazoo business Kalamazoo Candle Company.
“I encourage you all to seek out small businesses here in Michigan and give them your business, and treat your loved ones to a cool Michigan gift,” Whitmer said.
More information about shopping in downtown Kalamazoo can be found at the KDP website.
