Last-minute shoppers in Athens County might not need to turn to Amazon or department stores to snag the final gifts on their lists.
#ShopAthens, launched by the Athens County Visitors Bureau, aims to show consumers that they shouldn’t look outside the county for holiday events and shopping. The campaign has led to a boost for local businesses, with some reporting a 50 percent increase in sales, said Paige Alost, director of the Athens County Visitors Bureau.
A large part of the program is the social media chatter, she added.
“Everybody loves Athens, that’s the funny thing. We enjoy such a strong identity (with it), especially the people who used to live here,” Alost said. “The social chatter just reinforces that this is a place that’s loved.”
The campaign encourages shoppers to visit the county for gifts that wouldn’t be found at the typical “big box” stores.
A main part of the campaign is 25 Gifts of Athens — a site where a different, uniquely Athens county item is presented for each day leading up until Christmas. This year, items have included a passion flower from Passion Works Studio, an Athens Block Vase from Athens Block Art Studio and a weekend pass to Nelsonville Music Festival.
Alost said that it’s the third year doing the 25 Gifts of Athens.
Some of the holiday events going on include a Santa Train in Nelsonville and caroling and sleigh rides on Court St.
This year, shoppers are encouraged to post images on social media using the hashtag #ShopAthens to create a conversation about the campaign.
“We’re encouraging people to have the ‘funky’ holiday experience,” said Paige Alost, director of the Athens County Visitors Bureau.
Keith Chapman, owner of Keith Chapman Jewelers, 8 S. Court St., said that the #ShopAthens campaign helped him market a new product — an antique silver paw print pendant which is featured in the 25 Gifts of Athens.
“Their marketing was a big part of (it’s success).... geting out beyond the people I usually get out to,” he said. “Most of (my advertising) is my show window and word of mouth.”
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