February, the month of love. If you are looking for a way to stretch your heart this month, how about being a small business sweetie? Sweethearts Shop Local…Be a #SmallBusinessSweetie is a citywide campaign where neighborhood organizations coordinate to deliver messages of love and support to small businesses. Each organization customizes their own effort.
For instance, Grand Street BID is planning “Free Fridays”. This is a pop-up purchasing event they did on Wednesdays during 2021’s Sweethearts Shop Local. This year on two Fridays: February 4 and February 11 between 2 p.m.–4 p.m. the Grand Street BID will stop by many of their shops and pay for customers’ purchases.
They will also revive their valentine making activity. Last year there were two valentine making nights at a different bar for each night, with a unique theme. The gist is a throwback to low-pressure elementary school days activity of making valentines for anyone. Therefore, a local business, a best friend, or even a pet can be the recipient of the valentines made. Although inspired by kid fun, it will be geared for adults. This year there will be three of these nights. On Sunday February 6 the valentine making will take place from 4 p.m.–6 p.m. at Blinky’s (609 Grand Street); on Tuesday, February 8 it will be from 6 p.m.–8 p.m. at Philomena’s (790 Grand Street); and on Thursday, February 10 from 5:30 p.m.–7:30pm at The Clonard (506 Grand Street).
“We’re excited to be doing these playful events to lift people’s spirits while encouraging them to spread love by supporting local businesses,” said Erin Piscopink, Executive Director of the Grand Street BID. “And, doing this as part of a city-wide effort really underscores how important the small businesses in each of our neighborhoods are. This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to show our small businesses how cherished they are by shopping local, writing positive reviews, signing up for their newsletters, and engaging with their social media.”
The Greenline 