Black Friday Deals: Old Town, Alexandria

STORES OPEN AT 6 A.M.; SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS FOR ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS AT OTHER LOCAL SHOPS

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Skip the craziness of crowded malls and frenzied national discount stores and get “Door Buster” Black Friday discounts from local merchants in Old Town Alexandria this year.

Shop Local Alexandria, an initiative of the Old Town Boutique District, is organizing merchants across Old Town to open early. So far 24 locally-owned stores have signed on and more are joining up every day.

Studies have shown that when shoppers buy from local independent merchants, more money stays in the local community. That means more jobs, more tax revenues for local services and more support for local charities. It also means finding products and gifts that are more unique and diverse than what shoppers find at national chains. And in today’s big box, self-service world, local merchants offer genuine one-on-one customer service.

“We may not be able to offer the most outrageous discounts,” said Amy Rutherford, owner of Red Barn Mercantile and one of the many Old Town stores opening early on Black Friday, “but we have major retailers beat when it comes to quality, service and the overall retail experience. National retailers operate from national quotas, cookie cutter merchandise and get-it-yourself models. Local merchants know their customers. They buy what their customers want and are ready to go the extra mile to build real relationships. I live in Alexandria, my store is here. My customers are my friends and neighbors.”  

In addition to special Black Friday hours, and individual in-store discounts, a collection of Old Town retailers are teaming up to provide extra savings. If you buy from one of the participating stores on Black Friday, your receipt becomes an instant 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any of the other participating stores. See the table below for participating stores. 

Some of the retailers may set a few restrictions, but there's no limit on the number of stores shoppers can visit, or the amount of savings they can rack up. For example, if you buy something from Bloomers, you'll get 10 percent off at fibre space™. But why stop there. Your full-purchase receipt can get you 10 percent off purchases at La Cuisine, Mystique Jewelers, The Christmas Attic and other Old Town stores too.
The offer is good only on Black Friday, Nov. 26. 

Shop Local Alexandria (www.ShopLocalAlexandria.com) is an initiative of the Old Town Boutique District, a grassroots organization of local independent retailers dedicated to promoting historic Old Town Alexandria. For more information about the Old Town Boutique District or other events, visit 

OldTownBoutiqueDistrict.com.

Click link for a list of stores participating in the Black Friday Sale 
(* offer special 10 percent off with receipt discount)

Free Giveaway - CSN Stores

Yes you read correctly - FREE giveaway! One of my fellow bloggers, is hosting a free giveaway from the company CSN Stores. There are a couple of fun things to do to be entered into the giveaway. Please go to her blog to read the rules and regulations! The prize a $35 promo code to use at any one of their 200+ stores. You can't go wrong with free, so try your luck out!

Fall/Winter Style Must Haves

November is almost over and December is fast approaching. No matter where you live - whether in a mild or cold climate it's fun to fall into fall style! Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to slack off on your wardrobe, embrace the chill in the air with great wardrobe choices. With these steps you will be looking effortless (key!) and chic in no time.

Oversized cardigans and sweater wraps - Lucky Brand and Victoria's Secret carry some of the best quality and affordable sweaters around.                              

Boots - both tall and ankle length. DSW and Payless offer a wide selection for the shoe concessioner.

You need that one stand out piece - why not let it be your coat. Try a pea coat in a vibrant hue or a leather jacket. Both are available at Victoria's Secret and Macy's.

Let't not forget the basics, pair with dark wash jeans in a skinny or straight leg cut and your possibilities are endless. Lucky Brand's jeans are made to fit women with curvy physique - your calf will not get stuck in these 

jeans!!

Remember these basics can be mixed and matched to your hearts desire. It's okay to choose color - but keep the colors on the cooler end of the spectrum. Simple and  effortless - these tips will keep you warm and stylish for the season.