Galentine’s Day Brings Business to Downtown Shops
Story and Photos by Heather Sevigny
Emily Stewart sells sweet treats at the Galentine’s Shop Hop.
Cambridge Main Street hosted the Galentine’s Shop Hop: Besties & Bubbly event in historic downtown Cambridge on Thursday, Feb 12.
Karen Boyer, (left to right) Ann Lawrence and Dee Blackwood hit the town and Country Bits at the Galentine’s Shop Hop.
The event ran from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and brought together local businesses, pop-up vendors, and shoppers looking for a festive way to celebrate friendship while supporting downtown retailers.
Participants picked up a punch card at the Main Street table or from a participating merchant, visited shops along Wheeling Avenue, and collected stamps for entries in prize giveaways. Shoppers also earned extra giveaway entries based on their purchases at participating locations.
Cambridge Main Street Director Kim Harra said, “It’s been a fun evening. There’s been a steady stream of people, too. The plan is to do three of these a year for downtown, and hopefully we can get more participation and more downtown vendors.”
Kristen Udder and Colleen Siadik with their Shea It Out Loud table during the Galentine’s Shop Hop.
In addition to the downtown merchants offering exclusive specials, treats, and giveaways, pop-up vendors were set up at different locations. Arbonne and Fat Bone 45 were stationed inside Country Bits, while Emily’s Sweets and Shea It Out Loud were in the county administration building.
The Shop Hop included stops at Black Cat Vintage, Ellie’s Cottage, Country Bits, and Rooted Botanicals & Teas, among others, each participating in the night’s specials and raffle opportunities. Visitors could stop at each shop to fill out tickets for Galentine’s raffle baskets on display at several locations.
Overall, the event offered an enjoyable “girls’ night out” vibe with vendors, downtown merchants, and community members coming together to celebrate friendship, support small businesses, and make the most of a chilly February evening in Cambridge.
