Jul. 14—Scranton Tomorrow aims to spread holiday cheer while showcasing small businesses in July.
As part of Independents Month, a national initiative of the American Independent Business Alliance to support local entrepreneurs, the nonprofit will conduct a Deck the Downtown Christmas in July campaign downtown.
The event, set for July 22 through July 29, will feature holiday-themed menu items and drink specials, sidewalk sales and giveaways, said Liz Baldi, business development director for Scranton Tomorrow.
"It's about celebrating the independent business owners in our small business community by spotlighting all the hard work they do year-round to deliver goods and services," Baldi said. "One of the underlying messages we'd really like to push this month is the impact and lasting effects our independent small business owners have on our local economy."
Baldi pointed to research from the American Independent Business Alliance which found $48 from every $100 spent at an independent local store stays in the community. The total drops to around $14 for every $100 spent at area chain outlet stores and $1 for every $100 spent at an online store.
The nonprofit also strives to recognize local businesses for their generosity in the community.
"I think sometimes it's forgotten they're the ones we go back to for fundraising initiatives," Baldi said. "In addition to providing local goods and services, they support a lot of nonprofits and any kind of fundraiser for teams and sports."
After a successful Deck the Downtown campaign launched in November last year, Scranton Tomorrow opted to start the holiday push earlier this year for the more than 50 restaurants, pubs and cafes and more than 75 retailers in downtown Scranton.
"We want to keep everybody in the mindset to start preparing now," Baldi said. "We're going to do the best we can to support our local small business owners for all they do for us, all they give back for us, and all the hard work it takes to own and operate a successful, sustainable small business."
Jenn Saunders, owner of Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe on Biden Street, praised Scranton Tomorrow officials for their ongoing support of small businesses.
"They're very supportive and come up with some really creative ideas to help drive traffic downtown," she said.
Northern Light will feature its iced peppermint mocha and frozen hot chocolate drinks during the Christmas in July event, Saunders said.
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