Shop local and enjoy the benefits in Nacogdoches, Texas!
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Shop Nac First for the Holidays!
Posted in News
Holiday Tips for Retailers
By Margie Johnson
Make the holidays extra special for your clients this season. Create and manage the momentum in your store through a combination of special events, visual enhancements, community ties, special services, and an enthusiastic staff! Create a “buzz” to assure your clients that shopping at your business will be fun and hassle-free.
Here are some stellar holiday-season starters that are low-cost and easy to implement:
• Start with a kick-off-the-holiday party for the staff. Use this as an opportunity to communicate the marketing strategies, ads, public relations, etc., to which your business is committed.
• Play up the value of shopping at your store, i.e., create some “economic stimulus sale items” or create groups of price-point items by clustering them by price tiers, i.e., $5, $10, $15, $20, etc.
• Have a selection of “grab-and-go” pre-wrapped items to assist time-starved customers.
• Make the store appeal to all the senses through smell, sight, sound, touch, and taste. Think of how you can elaborate on each sense.
• Entertain children waiting in the Santa line by using videos, arts/crafts projects, etc.
• Advertise early shopper programs. Next year, get started with early shopper programs even before Thanksgiving.
• Hire runners and/or doormen to help people get their packages to their cars.
• Give children a chance to develop a relationship with Santa. Set up a phone line so children can call Santa. Have senior citizens staff the phones.
• Find space for a coat/package check – “Sack Sitters.”
• Use a photo of Santa with a different child every day in your ads.
• Write a thank-you note to Santa’s visitors. Include a store coupon for a return visit.
• Match up a senior citizens group with needy children and have a Christmas party.
• Offer delivery to nearby offices. Put the runners in big shirts or sweatshirts with a large store logo, carrying oversized bags that also feature your store’s logo.
• Set up a temporary cart or table offering package wrapping and shipping.
• Create an event to communicate via Facebook.
• Silent Night Silent Auction – everyone loves an auction – secure vendor donations, make it cause-related.
• Make a “joyful noise” – carefully select small musical groups to perform in your store, donate to arts/musical council, etc.
• Invite customers to create an ornament to bring in to place on the charity tree. The store can choose two or three charities to support through a $2-$3 donation for each ornament received. Cap the number of ornaments at 50 or 75.
Select a combination of promotions and ideas that will give your business a competitive edge this holiday season. MAKE BUSINESS HAPPEN – don’t wait for it to happen!
Posted in Uncategorized
Texas Downtown Association coming to the Oldest Town in Texas…
NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches will welcome an expected 200 Texas downtown leaders and their families from across the state November 1 through 4. The group is traveling to the Oldest Town in Texas to attend the 30th annual Texas Downtown Association Development and Revitalization Conference . The economic impact of the convention is considerable — with several local hotels to be filled to capacity and hundreds visiting for three or four days.
This year’s conference theme is “Delivering a Dynamic Downtown” and will feature keynote speaker Donovan Rypkema, an industry leader in the economics of preserving historic structures. Rypkema has provided ongoing consulting services to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its National Main Street Center.
The City of Nacogdoches Main Street Program and the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau are extremely excited about the kickoff event, “An Evening on the Red Brick Streets,” set for Tuesday, November 1, where attendees can stroll Texas’ Oldest Town and experience our Christmas Light display, late night shopping, and other fun activities planned for the group. Nacogdoches residents are encouraged to come downtown that evening and shop from the merchants. “We encourage the community to come out and visit the stores during the Holiday Open House Sip and Stroll, from 5-9 p.m.,” said City of Nacogdoches Main Street Manager, Sarah O’Brien said. “So come start your holiday shopping while enjoying various in-store specials, door prizes, gift wrapping, refreshments, and much more!”
Exciting plans also include a trip to historic San Augustine, Texas as well as some awesome educational field sessions such as a special Farmer’s Market on Thursday, November 3 from 12:30 to 2 p.m., where the general public can come shop the various vendorsand eat lunch at Merci’s World Cuisine.
Sherri Skeeters, Nacogdoches CVB assistant director said Nacogdoches has proved itself worthy of hosting the state’s community leaders.
“We will definitely impress them with our charm and hospitality. I compare this event to my experiences visiting other cities on business,” Skeeters said. “Conference visitors will see what we have, and make notes about what they will want to do when they come back to visit again and again. They’ll tell others about their experience and why Nacogdoches should be on a vacation prospect list.”
A good example of Nacog¬doches hospitality is the sweet chocolate covered blueberries and pub mix that will be placed in the attendee’s hotel room.
“We’re taking every opportunity to educate them and point out these not-so-well-known facts: such as Nacogdoches being the state’s top blueberry producer, and the Texas Blueberry Festival we hold on the second Saturday in June,” Skeeters said.
For more information about the Texas Downtown Association and the Texas Downtown Development and Revitalization Conference, visit www.texasdowntown.org. For more information about the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau or conventions/group tours, contact Sherri Skeeters at (936) 564-7351 or email her at sherri@visitnacogdoches.org. Be our friend on facebook @ See Nacogdoches.
Posted in News
Waterford Crystal Ambassador Signing Event
Waterford Crystal
Ambassador Signing Event
Kennedy’s Jewelers
Downtown Nacogdoches
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Ambassador Tom Power will sign and date your
Waterford and Holiday Heirloom purchases.
Tom Power is a Master Cutter at the House of Waterford Crystal
in Waterford, Ireland. Come by and visit with him and enjoy
some refreshments!
Bring your business card for a special Chamber member drawing for a $250 Waterford Crystal Vase!
Kennedy’s Jewelers
201 E. Main St.
Nacogdoches TX 75961
936-564-7671
kennedys@suddenlinkmail.com
Posted in Uncategorized
Nacogdoches Floral Fall mums will be here this afternoon…. $6 !!!!
Nacogdoches Floral
Fall mums will be here this afternoon…. $6 !!!!
Posted in Uncategorized
2011 Pineywoods Fair (Oct. 12-16) in Nacogdoches
The 2011 Pineywoods Fair is Wednesday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Nacogdoches County Exposition Center on U.S. Hwy 59 in northwest Nacogdoches, Texas.
Go to nacexpo.net for each night’s discounts and specials!!
Posted in News | Tags: Nacogdoches Expo Center, Pineywoods Fair
HEALTH savings at Belk today! Oct. 5
HEALTH savings at Belk
Wednesday, 5th October 2011 – All Day
Dear Healthcare Friends and Neighbors,
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Belk is proud to partner
with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to help raise breast cancer awareness. As a healthcare professional, you understand the importance of early detection. In appreciation
of your commitment to improved health and wellness, we’re giving you an exclusive
20% discount with limited exclusions.
Visit your neighborhood Belk store on Wednesday, October 5, and mention the coupon code HEALTH and show a valid work ID to enjoy a special storewide discount with limited exclusions. Also at Belk throughout October, you can dedicate a ribbon to a loved one for
our “Wall of Hope,” which will be on display in the store throughout October.
Visit www.belk.com/shopforacause to learn more about Belk’s “Pink is our Passion”
campaign, as well as upcoming events in support of breast cancer awareness.
Thanks again for all you do and we look forward to seeing you soon.
With sincerest thanks,
Your friends at Belk
Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Location: Belk Department Store at University Mall
Receive an extra 20% off (15% off home & shoes)
Regular & sale priced purchases storewide*
Mention the coupon code HEALTH for instant savings!
*Only excludes Red Dot, Clearance, Earlybirds, Night Owls, Doorbusters, Bonus Buys, Everyday Values, Alegria, Assets, Brighton, b.tempt’d, Cosmetics/Fragrances, Casio, Coach, Dansko, Hanky Panky, Herend, Lacoste, Ladies Designer Bridge & Contemporary sportswear, Levi’s, Lilly Pulitzer, Miss Me, Munro, Original Penguin, Ben Sherman, Spanx, Keen, Stuart Weitzman, Thomas Dean, Ugg, Vineyard Vines, Wacoal, Fine Jewelry watches, gifts, trunk shows and service plans, non-merchandise depts., lease depts. and Belk gift cards. Not valid on prior purchases or special orders. Cannot be redeemed for cash, credit or refund, used in combination with any other discount or coupon offer. Valid October 5, 2011.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: belk, Nacogdoches
Entertainment at Hotel Fredonia in Downtown Nacogdoches
Be sure to check out www.hotelfredonia.com often for the next fun event. Poolside music – Live on the Patio – in the evenings, top-flight comedians and even professional boxing are produced regularly at this classic mid-century hotel in the heart of the Oldest Town in Texas – Nacogdoches. Here’s the entertainment calendar: http://www.hotelfred
onia.com/entertainment/
Posted in News
Rand McNally Best of the Road – Friendliest Town in America!
Just a friendly thank you to Jason and Nikki Wynn, Rand McNally and Saab, for spending quality time in Nacogdoches, Texas. We think we’re the friendliest town in America – and hope they agree! It was a pleasure having “Gone with the Wynns” visit us in early July. In just a few days, the decision will be made on who “wins the title.” Whatever the outcome, we feel enriched by the visit of this special couple, who helped turn the spotlight not only on us, but five other friendly U.S. cities and towns. What a compliment to these communities and their citizens! Thanks, a tip of the hat to everyone – and every town!
Here’s the Wynn’s video of their airplane ride and Blueberry Place excursion!
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Blueberry Fest – Downtown Merchant Update!
Saturday, June 11, 2011 is the 22nd Annual Texas Blueberry Festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Nacogdoches. Nacogdoches Main Street and the Nacogdoches Downtown Business Association encourage you to take advantage of the cool, shady indoors and great deals and local merchandise selection as you enjoy the brick streets of the Oldest Town in Texas. Here’s what’s happening indoors!
102 North Street: THE FASHION SHOP— Open from 10am-12:00pm
110 S. Pecan: HEART OF TEXAS— Blueberry food products, will be making blueberry sundaes, floats, and milkshakes, Author Linda Yezak Western Christian Romance Novel Give the Lady a Ride 8:30-12:00pm
Hours 7:30a.m.-6p.m.
119 E. Main: OLD TOWN ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES—Open from 8-5pm
203 E. Main: Runaway Mule—Live music from Country Willie Edwards and Keith Whitton throughout the afternoon and sales around the store. Buy the official Texas Blueberry Festival T-shirts and poster here! 8am – 6pm.
205 N. Main: OLD TOWNE GENERAL STORE—Open and will have a booth. Blueberry milkshakes and shortcakes. Will be grilling outside. 9:00-4:00pm.
314 E. Main: HOUSE OF TRADITIONS—Hours 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
321 E. Main: Top Drawer—In store sales including Red Tag specials for $1.99.
8:00-5:00pm.
323 E. Main: GLASS CASTLES—Jewelry show of local artists Anne Tindell,
Donna Krolski, Jamie White, Contina Pierson and Joe McWilliams. “No re-strictions—we want visitors! We even allow pets! The air conditioner will be on FULL Blast!” Hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
413 E. Main: THE WILDFLOWER—Come in and cool off at Wildflower.
9:00-4:00pm.
106 N. Church: Fabulous Finds—New selection of jewelry. 8:00-6:00pm.
112 N. Church: SHELLEY’S BAKERY CAFÉ—Blueberry muffins, blueberry or-ange scones, French blueberry tarts, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry vin-aigrette, pulled pork w/ blueberry Chutney Panini, blueberry lemonade, and blueberry Italian sodas. Large tent on North Church with available seating for al fresco dining.8:00-2:00pm.
114 N. Church: Macy May—Giving away Vera Bradley Bag in Blue Lagoon. Come by and register to enter the drawing.
116 N. Church: Lollipops and Lullabies—15% off store wide. 8:00am to regular closing
400 E. Main: The Good Book—Book signing from 1-3 or 4pm Death Row Chaplain-Rick Anderson “God’s Feet are in my Sandbox”
404 E. Main: Caddo Trail Arts—Blueberry Wine tasting from 9-4pm and Book
Signing with Jodi Johnson from 11-1pm. Jodi Johnson is the author of
Texas children’s books. 9:00-4:00pm.
408 E. Main: Stuff n Such—Red Tag stickers through out the store as well.
Outside booth will have a 50% off sale. 8 am to 5 pm
407 E. Main: SHERRY WARD FINE ARTS STUDIO & ART ON MAINGALLERY—Moving Sale, featuring local artists you love to collect. Original
art, photographs, art prints, wood turnings, jewelry, art books, frames, ea
sels, antiques, display cases and much more. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
409 E. Main – The French Knot—20% off fabric and notions. 7:30-5:00pm.
411 E. Main: SPECIAL FIND ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES—Any item that
has any color of blue in it will be 25% off. Red Tags stickers through out
mall as well. 8 am – 5 pm
412 E. Main: NACOGDOCHES ANTIQUE MARKET—Hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For fresh produce and jams, visit the FARMER’S MARKET west of downtown at West
Main and Pearl Streets from 8 a.m.-noon.
PLEASE do not bring food or drink in the stores.
RESTROOMS available at the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB),
200 E. Main, and at 15 portable stalls downtown.
Posted in News | Tags: 2011 events, Nacogdoches, Texas Blueberry Festival