Now that Black Friday is here, small business owners in the Market District are hoping to make the most of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the retail world we buy our inventory 7-8 months in advance, and we have to pay to cancel it. If we have a downward tick in sales, you know, we’re stuck with it either way, so not having the sales that we’re counting on affect the business in the long run,\u201d May said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Mode and Mercantile<\/a> Owner Kira May says she\u2019s hoping Black Friday sales will prevent that from happening.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have 50% off sale racks, 75% off sale racks and BOGO,\u201d she said. \u00a0<\/p>\n But recently as a business owner and member of the Market District board, she\u2019s noticed less foot traffic in the area. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cGathering from others in the area from restaurants to services, retail, that everyone has noticed a change in their sales,\u201d May said.<\/p>\n According to Market District President Serena Moyle, it\u2019s driver frustration with detours.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThey have to go out to Thomasville and wait in three lights before they’re able to come and shop at their favorite stores and the restaurants and use the services here,\u201d Moyle said.<\/p>\n It\u2019s proven inconvenient for some gymgoers at Premier Health & Fitness<\/a>, according to Executive Director Todd Del Calzo.<\/p>\n Though, he hasn\u2019t seen too much impact to attendance.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI think really where it’s impacted our members is more so when they’re leaving here, when they want to go to the different businesses in the Market District. It’s made it more challenging,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n For the first time, he\u2019s participating in Black Friday to bring more people and sales into his gym and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a buy one membership paid in full. You get the second one 50% off,\u201d Del Calzo said. \u201cWe’re hoping that that turns into some new members, new sales.\u201d<\/p>\n Moyle says Black Friday sales can carry businesses into the next year.\u00a0<\/p>\n According to the National Retailers Federation<\/a>, this year\u2019s annual shopping event is expecting to draw a record 186 million shoppers out.\u00a0<\/p>\n Each planning to spend about 890 dollar per person on average for items like holiday gifts, food, decorations and seasonal items, according to its annual consumer survey<\/a> released in October.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFor local businesses, they really rely on their fourth quarter to set them up for success for the next year, so it is absolutely vital that everybody gets back to coming to the Market District,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n With help from the Office of Economic Vitality and the City of Tallahassee, Moyle hopes to remind shoppers that the Market District is still open once construction continues.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s also starting marketing for its annual \u201cLove Your Local\u201d<\/a> campaign to draw local sales, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhile this blockage is temporary, we’re still here. We want to still be here, and we really need your support,\u201d Moyle said.<\/p>\n Moyle says the opening is a big win from the city since the road is set close again on Monday.<\/p>\n She says the Market District will continue its marketing push during the remainder of construction and as these businesses open for Black Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n Below is a full map of the road open:<\/p>\n City of Tallahassee<\/p>\n Maclay Commerce Drive is temporarily opening from Financial Plaza Drive to Maclay Boulevard for Black Friday. The road will close again on Monday so crews can add a sidewalk. <\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n