A poster for the Shop Small Astoria shopping crawl (Shop Small Astoria Instagram)
Nov. 24, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
Astoria residents will get a chance to win the latest Apple Watch if they take part in a “shopping crawl” at local stores in the neighborhood this holiday weekend.
Customers who shop at 10 or more participating small businesses in Astoria will be entered into a draw to win an Apple Watch Series 7.
Shop Small Astoria, a group that promotes local businesses, is organizing the event that will take place from Nov. 26 through Nov. 29.
The promotion is centered around a “passport,” available at any of the 27 participating stores. Shoppers are encouraged to get the passport stamped by a store when they spend at least $10 on goods.
Customers can then submit their passport to enter the draw where they will also automatically win a “swag bag” filled with goodies and coupons.
Nicole Panettieri, who established the event seven years ago, said the 2021 shopping crawl comes at a time when businesses are looking to bounce back from the economic downturn. Panettieri owns The Brass Owl boutique, located at 36-19 Ditmars Blvd.
“[This year] feels extra special… We’ve made it through a hard time and we are still here thanks to the support of our community,” Panettieri said.
The business owner said she initially came up with the concept in order to bring local businesses together and to promote the neighborhood as a shopping destination.
All of the participating stores are independently owned and include clothing stores, bookshops, a florist as well as arts and crafts stores, Panettieri said.
Many participating stores will feature additional promotions, giveaways and deals, she said.
Customers need to drop off their completed passport at The Brass Owl no later than Nov. 30.
For more information, click here.
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The 27 participating businesses are listed below:
- Anoria Boutique
The Astoria Bookshop
The Brass Owl
Broadway Silk
Chateau Le Woof
Disco Paws
Dozo Dog
Earth & Me
Fern Botanica
Gamestoria NYC
Gift Box
Hellenic Aesthetic
HiFi Records & Cafe
Incasa Decor
Lockwood Gift
Lockwood Paper
Lockwood Style
LoveDay 31
NewtownHQ
NYC Pet Services
Petals & Roots
QED
QNS Collaborative
Queens Craft Brigade
The Regal Beagle
Side B
Tom’s Pet Supply
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One Comment
Celebrate Small Business Saturday, November 27th every day of the year.
Small independent businesses are at the mercy of suppliers, especially third party brokers, who control the price they have to pay for merchandise. There are additional costs of sanitizing the store and providing protection to employees, who deal with the public during this ongoing health emergency.
I don’t mind occasionally paying a little more to help our local stores survive. The employees go out of their way to help find what I need. Customer service is their motto. As an independent mom and pop store, they don’t have bulk buying purchasing power that Amazon or large national chain stores have. The owners can’t negotiate lower prices from suppliers . This is why they sometimes charge a little more. It is worth the price to avoid the crowds and long lines at larger stores in exchange for the convenience and friendly service your neighborhood community store offers.
These people are our neighbors. Our local entrepreneurs have continued the good fight to keep their existing staff and suppliers employed without layoffs and canceling product or supply orders. They work long hours, pay taxes and keep many employed.
Customers also patronize other commercial establishments on the block. Foot traffic is essential for the survival of neighborhood commercial district. If we don’t patronize our local community stores and restaurants to shop and eat, they don’t eat either. This helps keep our neighbors employed and the local economy growing.
The owners of independent mom and pop stores are the backbone of our neighborhood commercial districts. Thank the hard working owners and employees who continue to work during these hard times. Show your support by making a purchase.
Stop by your favorite store and also drop off a box of candy or cookies as a show of appreciation. Something sweet for the holidays helps take the edge off the stress we all face.
Larry Penner