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Jessamine County businesses offer opportunities to jump-start holiday shopping this weekend

Local businesses are banding together this coming weekend to offer residents and travelers passing through the perfect opportunity to “shop local” this holiday season.
The City of Wilmore and City of Nicholasville will be participating in the 10th annual Small Business Saturday sponsored by American Express Nov. 30.
“With the revitalization of downtown Wilmore in the last two years, we are super excited that we have so many businesses open on Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday,” Tara Hall, owner of The Family Center said. “Three years ago, the only business open for holiday shopping was Rachel’s Rose Garden. Last year, boutiques were surprised to see so many patrons not just on Shop Small Saturday but Black Friday. Lisa Smith from Gigi’s on Main reported having people waiting at the door when she opened, and doing more business, on Friday than Saturday.”
Hall said this year Wilmore will have nine businesses participating in these two big shopping days: Gigi’s on Main; Rachel’s Rose Garden; Days Gone By; Natural Re-creations; Dean’s Diner; Drinklings; Olive Branch Boutique; Shades of Bluegrass and a Silent Auction at The Family Center.
Early Bird specials and giveaways on both Friday and Saturday will be available for those who shop at most businesses.  Hall said, in addition to 15 percent off and a free gift with every purchase, Days Gone By will be offering free fresh popcorn and hot apple cider. Olive Branch, Hall said, will offer 20 percent off entire purchase, door busters and free gift wrapping.
“Also, The Family Center will be open for families to take a break to let kids play and adults relax, or they can bid on over 130 items,” Hall said.
Items up for bid include a toddler Wildcat car, a year’s membership at Lexington Tennis Club to Disney Tickets, Hall said.
This is Wilmore’s fourth year participating and shops in town have expanded their time to include all of the following week, closing out on Saturday, Dec. 7, which is the annual Wilmore Old Fashion Musical Christmas.
“Approximately 15 small businesses in Wilmore will take part in the event,” Judy Woolums, executive director at the Wilmore Community Development Board said.
Shoppers, Wollums said, will receive unique canvas totes when they shop at participating businesses, and they can register for one of the four $30 gift certificates to be announced Monday, Dec. 9th
“(Participating shops) can be identified by the balloons, posters, door mats and banners promoting Shop Small,” Wollums said.