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Portland Monthly

HAPPENINGS

Little Boxes Black Friday Event

A city wide shopping event ties together local shops with the notion that holiday shopping should be fun and community supportive.

By Eden Dawn November 19, 2012

 

 Portland loves its traditions. From the Naked Bike Ride to Saturday Market, there are some things you can count on to exist and be entertaining. The Black Friday event Little Boxes returns this month for a second year and, what we hope, is the beginning of a new reliable local tradition.

Instead of just hitting the big box retailers with throngs of crowds and stress over 170 of Portland’s independent boutiques and shops will participate in Little Boxes, a Black Friday weekend event designed to encourage shoppers to explore our independent, one-of-kind boutiques and businesses. “Portland has so many great shops scattered throughout its neighborhoods,” says Will Cervarich, co-owner of lifestyle boutique Betsy & Iya and co-founder of Little Boxes with his wife Betsy Cross. “This is a way for people to explore the city and what is has to offer shoppers. With the holidays coming up, Little Boxes is a great way to find interesting, meaningful gifts.”

The point of the event is two fold. First, to support shop owners and designers in our own community. Second is a rather novel idea: To make holiday shopping fun. Yes, it’s possible. While shoppers explore the hidden gems of Portland’s Little Boxes and enjoy a relaxing stroll from shop to shop, many of the businesses offer treats, drinks and fun. Participating businesses are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and provide a 10 percent discount to any customer who shows a stamp from another participating business. At each location, customers will receive raffle tickets for a chance to win “big” prizes including an iPad, $600 Shopping Spree, Ruby Jewel Ice Cream party for 20, hotel stays and restaurant certificates. Shoppers receive a raffle ticket for visiting a store and more raffle tickets when they make purchases.

Over 170 locally owned businesses will be participating in this year’s Little Boxes, including independent merchants from every neighborhood in Portland – from the Pearl District to Alberta and Sellwood.  “What I love about this event is that it not only provides a fun way to interact with other businesses, it also gives me a chance to interact with a broad range of customers,” says Heather Thomas, owner of Twill. “Portlanders are really supportive of local businesses, and this event is one way we can thank them.”

LITTLE BOXES DETAILS

When: November 23-24, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where:Over 170 independently owned boutiques & businesses throughout Portland.
What: Fun, local alternative to Black Friday with big raffle prizes and cross-promotional discounts. For additional information about the event, including a list of the more than 45 raffle prizes and a current list of participating businesses, please visit http://www.littleboxespdx.com.

 

 PARTICIPATING SHOPS:
DOWNTOWN/WEST END

EAST BURNSIDE

NORTH PORTLAND

NORTHEAST

NORTHWEST

PEARL

SELLWOOD

SOUTHEAST

SOUTHWEST

ST. JOHN'S

  • Salty Teacup (7315 N. Alta Ave., Portland, OR 97203)
  • Crow (7425 N Leavitt Street, Portland, OR 97203)
  • Etcetera (8621 N. Lombard, Portland, OR 97203)

 

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Holiday Events, Shop Local
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