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#ShopAthens

#ShopAthens encourages shoppers to have an unique, local holiday experience

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.”@krusecosk139011@ohio.edu


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