OTR Holiday News Release
Over-the-Rhine Kicks Off Shop Local Holiday Campaign
Events and promotions encourage Cincinnatians to buy local in OTR
Cincinnati, Ohio, November 2011 – The Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce wants Cincinnatians to kick off the holiday season right by shopping local in OTR. The Chamber is launching a new “Shop Local” holiday campaign to bring Cincinnatians from around the region to the vibrant, historic neighborhood throughout November and December.
“Over-the-Rhine has more than 60 unique, locally owned businesses that range from boutiques and galleries to a green grocer, bookstore, coffee shops, theatres, bars, and restaurants,” said Brian Tiffany, president of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce. “We have great holiday shopping and a full slate of fun, one-of-a-kind holiday events to draw friends and families from throughout the region to our neighborhood.”
Three events are planned in November to kick-off the holidays. Shopping for the season starts with Cincinnati Unchained on Saturday, November 19. Part of a city-wide event, twenty-one Over-the-Rhine businesses, including Findlay Market merchants, will participate and support this effort to encourage Cincinnatians to shop locally for holiday gifts. Merchants will offer discounts, special promotions or donate a portion of the day’s proceeds to non-profit organizations.
When consumers buy from a local independent store owner, 68 percent of the money stays within the community. By comparison, when purchases are made at a national retailer only 43 percent of the money stays in the community, and when purchases are made online the percentage drops toward zero. (source: The 3/50 Project) “There are so many unique holiday gifts available throughout Over-the-Rhine and local independents keep the money in Cincinnati,” explained Tiffany.
New in 2011 is an OTR Bar Crawl on the night before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 23. “We’re encouraging everyone to catch up with old friends in Over-the-Rhine’s new bars and restaurants,” noted Tiffany. The neighborhood will be sparkling with holiday cheer and décor. A unique drink will be available at each bar or restaurant in the neighborhood, including Abigail Street, A Tavola, Senate, Lavomatic, The Lackman, MOTR, Neon’s, Grammer’s and The Drinkery. Celebrate the kick-off of the long weekend OTR style.
The Friday after Thanksgiving, the 25th, is the fourth annual Holidays in the Bag. Cincinnati shoppers can avoid the crush of the malls by shopping Over-the-Rhine for unique, local gifts in a relaxed atmosphere. By purchasing a new, reusable holiday shopping bag at Coffee Emporium on Central Parkway or other retail shops in OTR (Monday, November 21 – Friday, November 25), shoppers will receive discounts at local businesses. Proceeds from the sales of the holiday bags benefit the Freestore Foodbank, which distributes over 18 million pounds of food annually throughout 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
“Over-the-Rhine is a bustling community where residents know the owners of the businesses they’re visiting,” added Tiffany. “We’re extending an invitation to everyone in the Greater Cincinnati region to come down this holiday season and get to know the neighborhood.” Regarding 3CDC led developments throughout Over-the-Rhine, more than 83% of condominiums have been sold, 100% of the rental units have been filled, and over 68% of commercial space has been leased.
Luminaries will light the way each weekend along Vine Street, 12th Street and Main Street and white lights will be strung from the light posts. The “Segway Santa” and a cycling Santa will also be out and about on the weekends spreading holiday cheer.
Over-the-Rhine’s two theaters have been entertaining audiences from throughout the city for many years and this holiday season is no exception. Ensemble Theater will premiere Snow White, an all new musical based on the classic fairy tale, on stage from November 30 – December 31. At the Know Theatre, Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party, which presents a new take from a fourth grade class on the traditional Christmas pageant in a rural Illinois town, will be playing from November 26 – December 23.
In December, each weekend will feature a unique event in Over-the-Rhine. The annual Main Street Stroll & Shop (December 3 – 4) will start the month followed by Caroling in the Quarter and “Wrapped Up” The City Flea (December 10), Light Up OTR (December 16) and Final Friday before Christmas (December 23). All the details on these events and more can be found at www.otrgateway.org.
To help visitors navigate the neighborhood and its many options, itineraries highlighting new holiday traditions, local shopping, events for music lovers and art fanatics and more traditional activities for kids have been developed and are now available at www.otrgateway.org.
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