Shelby’s downtown businesses are ready to “hop” into spring with the very first Shelby Shop Hop to be held on Thursday, April 10. The event kicks off at the Central Park gazebo.
Organized by the Shelby Area Business Group and the Richland Community Development Group, the Shop Hop will feature 15 downtown businesses that participants can “hop” to and collect puzzle pieces for a chance to win a gift basket.
Julie Corwin, Vice President of the Shelby Area Business Group and owner of the Coolest Shop In Town, said the response to participate in the Shop Hop was overwhelming.
“We’ve gotten a lot of response and we’ve even gotten responses since our deadline,” she said. “You might not have been able to advertise (on the puzzle) but that doesn’t mean you can’t have information down at the gazebo or have your open sign flashing during the Shop Hop.”
The Shop Hop will begin at 5 p.m. on April 10 starting at the Central Park Gazebo. From there, hoppers will visit participating businesses to collect all the pieces of the puzzle designed by students at Pioneer Career and Technology Center, one piece for every business.
Participating businesses include: Roush Floors & More; Ault’s Rug Hooking Store; Edward Jones; Connie’s Place; Shelby Computer & Business Center; Utz Karate; Bases Loaded; Shelby Thrift Store; Tres Dens; Shelby Mutual Insurance Agency; Coolest Shop In Town; The Melody Within; Shelby Floats & BBQ; Marvin Memorial Library; and St. Mary’s School.
“The businesses will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. specifically for the Shop Hop,” explained Corwin. “Some businesses will even have special promotions going on.”
After completing the puzzle, shop hoppers will return the completed puzzle along with their entry form at Legend’s Sport Bar for a chance to win a gift basket valued at more than $100. The contest drawing will be at 7 p.m.
“Every business participating has donated an item to the gift basket, and even some businesses who aren’t part of the Shop Hop,” said Corwin. “The Connection wants to contribute, as well as Primp Your Pup and Shelby Monuments.”
Corwin said Thursday’s Shop Hop event is geared mostly towards adults, with a special Kid’s Day happening on Saturday, April 12 from 3 to 5 p.m.
“Because we only have two hours and we have so many businesses, we didn’t feel that if we put a lot of kids’ stuff in there we wouldn’t have enough time for business,” explained Corwin.
The Kid’s Day will include pictures with the Easter Bunny, egg decorating, face painting, and an egg hunt beginning at 5 p.m. at the Shelby Thrift Store. Businesses Connie’s Place, The Melody Within and Legend’s Sports Bar will be participating in the Kid’s Day on Saturday.
Ultimately, Corwin said the goal of the Shop Hop is to highlight Shelby’s downtown businesses as well as improving the city’s economic vitality, consistent with the mission of the Shelby Area Business Group.
“That’s what we’re out here for, we’re hoping to get business back to Shelby and pull people back to Shelby,” she said. “We want to show them what we’ve got and what we can be.”
“Every business participating has donated an item to the gift basket, and even some businesses who aren’t part of the Shop Hop,” said Julie Corwin. “The Connection wants to contribute, as well as Primp Your Pup and Shelby Monuments.”
