A current advertising campaign urges holiday shoppers to avoid pricey malls … because cheaper name-brand stuff can be found in stores at … strip malls.
A much better concept deserves horn-tooting to compete with the corporate braying. A quiet campaign, found on the sides of buses and on posters in store windows, urges people to “Shop Everett — There’s No Place Like Home.” (A graphic shows a pair of non-ruby slippers and a magic wand.)
We agree. “Toto, we have the feeling we’re not in a chain store anymore.” Only problem is, the names of local businesses don’t get stuck in your head the way, say, a Gap song takes up residence, until one must concede, whether true or not, that the most pressing question of the day is, “How cute are these boots? How cute are these boots?”
The solution, however, is easy and fun. First, park your car — for free. Then, follow the (imaginary) yellow brick road and discover downtown Everett (and beyond) again, or for the first time. Then report your findings.
We offer an incomplete list. (Businesses are urged to list promotions on the “Shop Everett” Facebook page.) And similar examples exist throughout Snohomish County.
Our advice: Even if it doesn’t seem like a natural “gifty” establishment, go in. You never know.
For example, Everett Pack-Man, Inc., on Colby Avenue is not only a place to ship packages; it’s full of treasures, such as the sweetest Christmas cards — handmade in Lake Stevens.
Local art can be found at the Arts Council Gallery store in the historic Monte Cristo building, which is featuring a Holiday Show of gifts through Dec. 31.
For kids, and adults, the gift shop in the Imagine Children’s Museum is top-notch, and J. Matheson Gifts and Kitchen and Gourmet stores are fabulous and carry local creations.
Wicked Cellars not only sells wine, but cool things. Local coffee places such as Bargreens and Zippy’s sell gifts and gift cards in addition to coffee.
Think Silvertips stuff; Village Theatre tickets; local garden and flower shops; YMCA memberships; donations to Everett Animal Shelter; an H1N1 flu shot from a local clinic; AquaSox stuff; Everett Symphony tickets; local frame shops and photo studios; fantastic photos available from The Herald’s excellent photographers; bus passes or an ORCA smart card; Future of Flight gift shop goodies; fashion at Renee’s Contemporary Clothing and Burkett’s Savvy Clothing; fashion and other finds at Goodwill; gift certificates from local massage therapists; shirts and gear from local high schools; ice skating lessons.
Perhaps local icon and accordion player Stan Boreson could cover Petula Clark’s “Downtown” ditty for the city promotion?
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