Residents urged to support local economy by purchasing gifts from area merchants
Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Room is one of the borough businesses that is decked out for the holidays.
During this holiday season, Historic Kennett Square is urging area residents to support local businesses first.
Kennett Square’s small, independent retailers offer merchandise you can’t find at national chains, with competitive prices and great customer service—all within a charming historic atmosphere.
“Our historic buildings, festive holiday decorations, friendly merchants, and innovative gift selection all make shopping in downtown Kennett Square a great experience,” says Mary Hutchins, executive director of Historic Kennett Square. “Holiday shopping in Kennett Square is an enjoyable alternative to fighting the crowds at malls and big box stores. We invite people to spread the holiday spirit where it counts—at home.”
Shopping in local, independently-owned businesses and attending holiday festivities are not just fun; they are important ways to support the community. Small businesses reinvest in the town and strengthen the local economy. National research shows that a higher percentage of money spent at local businesses will stay in the local economy. Choosing to shop locally also saves on gas and reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Special events in Kennett Square include horse-drawn carriage rides every Sunday in December, a candlelight home tour, and carolers singing around the town Christmas tree many evenings.
The holiday home tour will be held Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. and includes an array that highlights the unique and varied history of the borough. The tour, which is self-guided, includes a brochure with a brief history of each home and what you can expect to see there. Tickets, which cost $20, may be purchased with a credit card by calling 610-444-8141, Monday through -Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets may be picked up at Sunrise Cafe , 127 E. State Street, during business hours up until 4 p.m. the day of the tour.
After dining in one of the borough’s many restaurants, visitors can enjoy live music or an independent film at the Kennett Flash. Merchants are providing extended hours for shoppers’ convenience and the Borough of Kennett Square offers free parking during the week prior to Christmas. For more information on the events and businesses in Kennett Square, visit www.historickennettsquare.com.
Agree with del – they are just like the mall except for parking – free or otherwise…. Try driving through during the day – can’t make it because of all the blocked lanes – double parked trucks, and lots of foot traffic walking between cars to cross the street. Great town but Boro still trying to cram 10 lbs. of “too much” into a 5 lb. area..
They just don’t get it do they….FREE parking the week before Christmas? Is Boro Council that hard up for revenue they would lose these next 3 weeks from the $20.00 overtime parking tickets that will be written? As a former merchant for 12 years in Kennett Square I find the whole concept insane of shoppers having to pay for the privilege to spend money in town…especially during the Christmas shopping season. Learn something from the malls Kennett Square…..FREE parking shows customers you appreciate their business.
It wasn’t a Borough Council decision. The merchants came to Borough Council and asked that the free parking be changed. They found that non-shoppers were parking in spaces all day and then real shoppers had no where to park. So, it wasn’t Borough Council, it was the merchants that made that decision. The money earned from meters/fines barely pays the meter officer. It’s not a revenue issue, it’s for keeping the spaces turning over.