Video: New Albany Downtown Businesses Extend Hours Each Thursday In November

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NEW ALBANY, MISS. (WCBI) – Christmas shopping season is here. Now, New Albany is using a new technique to bring shoppers downtown.

WCBI’s Allie Martin explains.

The shelves at Southern Traditions are ready for Christmas shoppers.

“We have some cute snowmen tree toppers, jewelry is always good, Earth Grace jewelry that is made locally in New Albany has been a crowd pleaser,” said Whitney Smith, of “Southern Traditions.”

The gift and jewelry store is taking part in a campaign by New Albany’s Main Street Association. Merchants and restaurants will stay open later every Thursday in November, except Thanksgiving.

“We just want to do this campaign each year, to offer our residents and visitors more time to shop in their small businesses,” said Vickie Duke, of the Main St. Assoc.

This is the first year merchants are participating in the extended hours campaign in November.

Stores believe it will create a buzz with shoppers.

“I think it’s wonderful you can walk down these beautiful streets in downtown New Albany, have a sense of pride that you live here and do some shopping,” Smith said.

Merchants will also have special sales and discounts for teachers, those in the medical field and other professionals, each Thursday in December.

Duke says the special offers let more people know about downtown businesses.

“We have a lot of one of a kind stores, most of your gifts will be unique gifts for your family members you can’t find anywhere else,” she said.

Businesses taking part include; AC’s Coffee, Bellissimo Boutique,French’s New Albany Flower Shop, Halle Jo’s, In Bloom, Jondesignz Screen Printing & Embroidery, Obsessions Boutique & Salon, Southern Blue, Southern Traditions, The Vintage Market, Two Doors Down and Van Atkins Jewelers.