BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
METUCHEN — The Metuchen Downtown Alliance is encouraging people to “shop small” in downtown Metuchen.
More than 20 stores and restaurants in the downtown will participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26, with retail promotions and special events throughout the day.
To welcome holiday shoppers, Isaac Kremer, executive director of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance (MDA), said there will be three hour free parking at the Pearl Street parking garage every Saturday from Nov. 19 to Dec. 31.
Cai’s Cafe at 420 Main Street is offering a free small coffee with fresh baked good purchase of $5 or more, Fresco Deli will have breakfast and lunch specials under $7 including French toast casserole, meatball parmesan subs, fried pizza, and more and What’s the Scoop is providing 10 percent off purchases of $10 or more.
Step foot in Runner’s High at 454 Main Street and customers will receive two raffle tickets to enter in the shop’s giveaways. Also if customers spend more than $50 on Small Business Saturday, they will receive a mystery gift bag on the house.
Carpet Maven II at 450 Main Street will feature DJ Chuck Leonard spinning festive tunes and for a sing along starting at 11 a.m. All merchandise will be 25 percent off.
“Small shops provide a superior level of service and attention to detail that big box stores simply can’t match, whether it’s me as the carpet guy or another Main Street business,” said Leon Schwartz, owner of Carpet Maven II.
At dusk, the MDA Design Team will light the new “shopping chandeliers” throughout downtown Metuchen, including surprise special effects.
Kremer said these artfully designed lights encourage shopping in downtown Metuchen. The day concludes at 5 p.m. with an after hours party at Marifiki, a pop-up shop featuring Fair Trade products at 463 Main Street.
American Express originated Small Business Saturday seven years ago to encourage shoppers to “shop small” at local businesses.
In 2015, 95 million people spent an estimated $16.2 billion at small retail establishments, according to a Small Business Saturday (SBS) Consumer Insights Survey.
This year, experts are projecting at least $17.8 billion in spending during this unofficial holiday.
Kremer said the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, which was established in September, is devoted to helping existing downtown Metuchen businesses thrive and to bring in new compatible businesses.
“MDA seeks to attract every shopper and diner to see the tremendous offerings in Metuchen for the holidays, because we know once they visit they will return on a regular basis all year-round,” said Eric Berger, chairman of MDA.
MDA has also produced a Holiday Passport coupon book with discounts at 55 downtown Metuchen stores, restaurants and other service providers.
Passports are available while supplies last and can be used at any business with a Holiday Passport window sign.
The weekend tops off with the annual Metuchen Chamber of Commerce 63rd Annual Winter Festival Parade on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 2 p.m. with the theme “Lights on Main.”
The Downtown Alliance is also looking for customers to share their best selfies at #ShopSmall and #ShopMetuchen on Facebook and Instagram. Prizes will be given for the best selfies.
For more information on the retail promotions and special events visit www.downtownmetuchen.org.