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Local Business Hoping to Attract Shoppers this Holiday Season

The big chain stores are offering major deals for holiday shoppers but small business owners are getting in on the action and hoping to attract customers.

More than a dozen business owners are taking part in the Austin Shop Crawl.  The five week long event allows customers to get inside deals at local businesses using a badge they get online. Doreen Sims is the mastermind behind the Austin Shop Crawl, she came up with the idea after seeing local business close down after big business took their customers.

Sims says sometimes people need a reminder to shop local during the holidays, “They’re forgetting shopping locally and I don’t think that they realize they can get great deals and great merchandize at local stores. They do it all year round, but for some reason around Christmas they forget.”

Participating retailers include boutiques like SoLa and Pet Store Bark ‘n Purr.

Eddie Floyd owns Bark ‘n Purr and says, “it’s important to shop local stores regardless of the time of the year because the money stays here, circulates here.” Aside from deals through the Austin Shop Crawl, he’s also offering free delivery in Austin.

But it isn’t just retailers taking part in the event. John Tran owns the San Francisco Bakery and Café in North Austin. The restaurant offers California cuisine with an Austin twist. Tran says he’s sure customers are “going to be keeping themselves going with Coffee and some pastries so they can continue shopping.” Tran is offering a 15% discount or buy one get one free pastries.

Along with discounts are also several events to benefit the Austin Toys 4 Tots.

For more information on the Austin Shop Crawl or to sign up go to Austinshopcrawl.com