Downtown Businesses Ready For Visitors

The holiday season is just around the corner, and many local businesses are excited to welcome residents and visitors to their stores. With increased foot traffic downtown, local business owners are excited for the support.

Mary Rajasekhar, owner of Olivet Books and Gifts said, “You know, we have paid close attention to what we feel our customers have been looking for throughout the year, and things that they will have available to at the store, and I think that we are ready.”

Local store owners also challenge people to take advantage of the walk able downtown. Griffin James, co-owner of Cedar and Threads said, “when you go into shops, talk to the employees and owners, and ask where to go next. Get recommendations from the owners of the shop you go into and you’ll find you can spend all day bouncing around from those recommendations.” He also encourages visiting the other Northeastern Michigan communities to support their small businesses as well.

While the stores downtown sell a variety of different goods, they are all proud community members excited about their offerings. “I totally believe that our community has been very home bound and really spending time loving and nurturing our downtown area, so I believe that everyone will be able to find what they need right year in downtown and the Alpena area,” said Rajasekhar.

Business is expected to increase this weekend and into the Black Friday weekend. Shopping local directly impacts the community and the families it’s made of, James said, “Thank you dearly to the locals and anyone visiting supporting the economy, thank you.”