ARBA Holiday Open House 2011

WE INVITE YOU TO BEGIN THE HOLIDAY SEASON ON AUGUSTA ROAD!

ARBA

AUGUSTA ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Holiday Open House Augusta. only on

com

Sunday, November 20 from 1-5 pm

Holiday

OPEN HOUSE

Festivities mark traditional start to shopping season

M

live music, karaoke,

aking a list? Check it—twice—

“Open House is a much-loved tradition for

to be sure it begins with the

merchants as well as our guests,” says Tiby

refreshments and so

Weinstein, owner of Gage’s stationery and

much more.

Sunday before Thanksgiving.

That’s the day set aside for the annual

gift shop since 1982. “It’s amazing how many

“There are so many activities all

Augusta Road Holiday Open House—

of the same faces we see year after year.

along Augusta Road – it’s just a fun day for

November 20th this year—the not-to-be-

People really do set their clocks for this.”

the whole family,” says Wanda Ponthieux,

missed launch of Greenville’s Christmas

who along with her husband Mike owns

FUN FOR ALL

shopping season.

Ponthieux’s

Jewelry

Design

Studio.

A treasured local tradition, Holiday

Presented by the Augusta Road Business

“Holiday Open House gives a good feel

Open House runs from 1-5pm at stores and

Association (ARBA), this annual event

for how friendly this business community

shopping centers throughout the Augusta

features in-store specials and generous door

really is.”

Road Business District. It’s an afternoon

prizes at participating businesses—oftimes

filled with family fun for all ages, attracting

the best one-day deals of the season.

Certain Open House activities have become trademarks for certain shopping

shoppers eager to get a jump on their

But shopping’s only half the fun. Special

centers, according to Weinstein, who

Christmas lists as well as children even

activities designed to raise holiday spirits

points to Lewis Plaza’s popular carriage

more eager to get this year’s first glimpse

include visits from Santa and his elves,

rides. “Oh, the kids love that!” she says.

of Santa.

face painting, carriage and sleigh rides,

“Every (shopping center) tries to do

Gifts

Let us do all your

with joy & purpose The Holy Family, carefully carved in beautifully grained Middle Eastern olive wood.

2 West Lewis Plaza on Augusta Road Greenville, SC 29605 Holiday hours: Mon–Thu 10–6, Fri–Sat 10–7, Sun 1–5:30 864-239-4120 greenville.tenthousandvillages.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Use this logo for reductions only, do not print magenta.

Magenta indicates clear area, nothing should print in this area.

Do not reduce more than 20%.

Color, PMS 1805

Sheltering Cave Nativity West Bank, $44

Taste our holiday treats during our Open House Sunday, November 20, 1-5pm.

Little Villages opens November 20!

Little Villages is just for children to shop for family and friends. Village Elves on hand to help.

Open Sundays 1–5:30 through December 18. All Little Villages gifts $12 or under.

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11 Sevier Street, Greenville, SC 864.282.8580 OnlyOnAugusta.com

A U G U S TA R O A D B U S I N E S S A S S O C I AT I O N

The Journal — ARBA Open House insert 11-10 Ten Thousand Villages Greenville

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Order early!

• Cookie Trays • Gingerbread • Pumpkin Pound Cake • Cakes and Pies • Gritibänz • Stollen And more!

TheBakery 4thS ARBA11.indd 1

11/13/11 12:17:58 PM

something special, something unique, so that people will enjoy hopping from place to place.”

the route to repeat every 30 minutes.

Spirit of Giving

Just a few highlights: Santa is

As part of the Holiday Open House,

expected to make appearances at

ARBA is proud to support Meals on

a couple of places. He’s posing for

Wheels and The Samaritan House, two

pictures at Lewis Plaza—bring your

nonprofits located within the Augusta

own

camera—and

offering rides in his Souped-Up Sleigh at Augusta

Commons.

Capers

Place

is

hosting a craft beer and wine tasting, while McDaniel Village is giving away a basket filled

with

items

from its merchants.

Individual stores are serving up plenty of refreshments

and

a variety of special

Road Business District.

“There are so many activities all along Augusta Road – it’s just a fun day for the whole family. Holiday Open House gives a good feel for how friendly this business community really is.”

Road

Business

Association has come together as a group to give back to those in need,” says ARBA President Kelly Odom, co-owner

of

The

Pickwick Pharmacy & Soda Fountain. Holiday milk.

located in participating businesses

fundraising

efforts

and drop non-perishable canned goods

Meals on Wheels enhances the quality

on behalf of Meals on

into collection boxes located at each

of life of homebound individuals by

Wheels and a canned

shopping center. Food drop boxes will

providing nutritious meals, personal

food drive to replenish The Samaritan

be on-site through Nov. 22. Preferred

contact and related services. The

House.

food items are tuna, stew, ravioli, soup,

Samaritan House operates a food

offers.

Augusta Road Business District during

of giving, and Augusta

Open House includes

– Wanda Ponthieux, who along with her husband Mike owns Ponthieux’s Jewelry Design Studio

A free city trolley runs throughout the

“This is the season

the festivities, taking riders from one

Shoppers are encouraged to place

canned fruits and veggies, macaroni

pantry providing groceries to 500+

shopping destination to the next. Expect

monetary donations in collection boxes

and cheese, pasta, rice and evaporated

families a month as well as a weekend

OnlyOnAugusta.com

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Holiday Open House Holiday Festivities, Specials & Promotions

Cheers!

Private dining | Full service catering 1/2 price bottles of wine on Thursdays Mon-Thurs 11-10:30 | Fri-Sat 11-11 Sun 11-10 | Bar open ‘til 2AM

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1619 Augusta Road, Greenville, SC • 864.232.4280 • www.blockhouse.net

SHOPPING CENTERS Lewis Plaza Carriage rides, face painting, balloon elves, Santa Claus (bring your own Camera), holiday music, holiday karaoke, registration/drawing for nine $100 Lewis Plaza gift certificates, refreshments, in-store promotions throughout the Plaza, Facebook photo contest for a $100 Lewis Plaza gift certificate.

• Ten Thousand Villages – Little Village, located upstairs at Ten Thousand Villages, is a shop just for kids. With help from volunteer Village Elves, children can purchase gifts $12 and under for family and friends. The Little Village is open on Sundays, Nov. 20-Dec. 18, 1-5:30PM.

Augusta Commons Free rides on Santa’s Souped-Up Sleigh (The Santa Mobile), Santa Claus, face painting, music, goodies, refreshments, specials

Your source for the finest yarns, hand painted canvases and accessories

• Foxfire Gallery & Kitchen Shops – A taste of foxfire • Muse Shoe Studio • The Elephant’s Trunk – Special demonstrations of the popular Zikes Scooter

22 Tindal Avenue, Greenville | 864-235-6060 | theneedletree.com J111

Tuesday–Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-3

Holiday Cheer

McDaniel Village Gift basket drawing filled with items from McDaniel Village merchants. Register during the Holiday Open House.

• Kate Carlyle – Serving samples of featured food items • The Embassy Flowers – Hot cider and ginger snaps • Labels – Hot chocolate and goodies

on Sale Now!

• A Finer Fit – Light refreshments

Mention this ad and get

Capers Place

10% off any Holiday item

Specialty craft beer and wine tasting onsite by Community Tap; cider and treats; live music; face painting and activities for kids; complimentary gift wrapping at all Caper Place stores.

• Pickles and Ice Cream – Special promotions … shop and save!

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• Beija Flor – Semi-annual denim warehouse sale 3219 Augusta St.• 864.277.4180 • ThePickwick.net • M-F 9-6; Sat. 9-3

• Savvy – Free gift bag with every purchase; special this-day-only promotions; drawing for $75 gift card • Paws and Claws – First look at new gifts and stocking stuffers for pets, pet-lovers and pet-sitters; free gift with every purchase; drawing for gift card

CPA, LLC

1441 Augusta Street • Greenville • 864-233-4163 • cpawork4u.com 4

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Renita M.Owens

OnlyOnAugusta.com

Kick off the Holiday Season with

Capers Place on Augusta Road

SHOP • Vaughn Russell (Candy Co.) – Treats, free samples and 8% off during Holiday Open House only.

• Bernhardt House of Violins & Pinner Studios – (Joining together at 5 Cateechee Ave. for the Holiday Open House) Drawing for one free month of violin lessons and one free month of violin rental; refreshments; live music by the Pinner String Quartet starting at 2 pm.

• The Grey Goose – Dress your children for the holidays and enjoy some Christmas treats at our new location on Conestee Avenue!

• Verizon Wireless – Refreshments, door prizes, special discounts on phones and accessories.

• L’s On Augusta – Refreshments, door prizes, storewide special discounts, lots of new items for gift giving, and of course lots of fun!

• Ponthieux’s Jewelry Design Studio – 10th Anniversary celebration with refreshments; giveaways; door prize; demonstrations of the Custom Design process using CAD and CNC Mill; free jewelry cleaning and inspections; “Wish List” registration.

• Palmetto Olive Oil Co. – Free 60 ml bottle of one of our pure EVOOs with every $30 purchase • Costless Outlet – Free gift out of Santa’s sack, sweats and treats.

restaurants Enjoy a meal before, during or after Holiday Open House – Firehouse Subs and Blockhouse.

SPAS Make a day of it and enjoy complimentary hand massages and makeup touch-ups at Wisteria Salon and Spa at Augusta Village Shopping Center.

charity outreach Donation Collection Boxes for Meals on Wheels located at participating merchants; drop boxes for canned food drive located at each shopping center.

OnlyOnAugusta.com

Gifts & stocking stuffers for your pets, pet-lovers, and pet-sitters, plus free gift with purchases & gift card drawing

Semi-annual denim warehouse sale

Special Promotions offered open house day only!

Shop and Save!

Free gift bag with every purchase, special promotions on this day only & drawing for $75 gift card

sip

The Community Tap will be joining us with craft beer and wine on tap for your enjoyment! Plus cider and sweet treats for everyone.

Be Merry!

Live Music, Face painting and activities for the kids!

Complimentary gift wrapping available by all!

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Free-standing stores

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Lightson Contest brightens holiday shopping

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erchants along Augusta Road are turning on the creativity – along with lights aplenty – as part of a new event destined to become the brightest of holiday traditions.

Lights on Augusta is a Christmas decorating contest amongst offices, retailers and service providers within the Augusta Road Business Association to see who has the best-decked business or storefront. Winner will be chosen by

Lightson

popular vote from the community.

“This is such a wonderful addition to ARBA’s holiday events because it involves everyone – retailers, of course, but also businesses like CPAs and real estate companies,” says Cher Hoskins, owner of The Grey Goose. “Lights on Augusta will encourage the community to roam around looking at the decorations and maybe notice a business they didn’t even realize was there.”

Hoskins plans to build her Lights

on Augusta theme around a set of the shop’s beloved ice-skating moose decked out in sweet holiday duds.

Mum’s pretty much the word on exactly what most other companies have in mind – nobody wants to give away any ideas – but expect business-related themes and humorous holiday takes along with more traditional motifs.

So come see for yourself, then play favorites! Winner is determined via online voting at www.onlyonaugusta. com. The poll opens December 1 and runs through New Years Eve. The Lights on Augusta victor gets bragging rights for a year. The rest of us, meanwhile, get to enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout Greenville’s most interesting business district.

“We’re so excited about Lights On Augusta,” says ARBA President Kelly Odom, co-owner of The Pickwick Pharmacy & Soda Fountain. “It’ll be fun for shoppers while also generating foot traffic for participating businesses. Most of all, it adds still more to the unique flavor of our

Happy Olivedays



Join us for the Holiday Open House Saturday, Nov 19 & Sunday, Nov 20 2011

Give the

Gift of Music OpenDrawing House

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Though registration for the Lights on Augusta contest is still under way, the early participant list includes: The Grey Goose, Lafayette Cleaners, Foxfire Gallery & Kitchen Shops, The Pickwick Pharmacy & Soda Fountain, The Briles Company, Gage’s, Bernhardt House of Violins, Ponthieux’s Jewelry Design Studio, The Embassy Flowers, Renita M. Owens CPA, Vaughn Russell Candy Co., Costless Outlet, Pinner Studios, Kate Carlyle, The Elephant’s Trunk, Harrison Lighting, Chandler School, Ten Thousand Villages, and L’s On Augusta. t

Greenville County does not have local option sales tax.

Zero sales tax money comes back to the city and county.

• Greenville County generates $15.2 billion in total sales and $908 million in sales tax revenue to the state.

1 FREE Month of Violin Lessons 1 FREE Month of Violin Rental Join us at 5 Cateechee Avenue for Refreshments and Live Music Pinner String Quartet performing at 2:00 PM

• City of Greenville generates $3.9 billion total and $231 million in sales tax money in 07-08.

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5 Cateechee Ave. | 864.282.8887

business community.”

• Greenville generates just over 1/3 of all state revenue from sales tax money.

Holiday

16 Mills Ave. Suite 2 | 864.918.2655

“Lights on Augusta will encourage the community to roam around looking at the decorations and maybe notice a business they didn’t even realize was there.”



2247 Augusta St. | 864.298.0304 www.palmettooliveoilco.com

• $248 million comes back to the school system from state general funds and a portion of that is sales tax revenue.

OnlyOnAugusta.com

2 48 McDa

niel Avenue

$973,500

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3110 Augusta St. 864.236.0800 brilesco.com

Celebrating 10 Years

in the Upstate

To say “thank you” to our friends and customers, we would like to invite you to our

Open House

Sunday, November 20 • 1:00 - 5:00 pm

OnlyOnAugusta.com

Fashion & Design 2219 Augusta Street Greenville, SC 29605 864.438.4750 thewhiteiris@hotmail.com

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2219-B Augusta Street, Greenville • 864.370.4466 • ponthieuxs.com

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The White Iris

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St.

MAP IT OUT!

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To Historic West End

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The City will extend the free Trolley route to the Augusta Road Shopping District from 1pm until 5pm and each shopping center has events throughout the day.

Designated trolley stops are marked on map.

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SHOP. DINE. 1. Pinner Studios

2. The Needle Tree 3. Renita M. Owens, CPA, LLC 4. Bernhardt House of Violins 5. L’s On Augusta 6. Blockhouse 7. Lafayette Cleaners 8. Fleet Feet Sports

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Av

9. McAlister’s Deli 10. Ten Thousand Villages

5

11. Harrison Lighting

St.

12. Plaza Jewelers

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13. Gage’s 14. Moppets

W. Lewis Plaza

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24

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19. Shogun of Tokyo

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20. Pickles & Ice Cream 21. Savvy 22. beija flor

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fountain ~ ~ Your neighborhood pharmacy and soda fountai

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ree Augusta St

or as a first-time visitor to Greenville, you’ll find

franchises, make life on the road for generations

an unparalleled blend of history, Southern charm,

of families a truly unique experience.

On Augusta, the upscale culture, commitment 8

A U G U S TA R O A D B U S I N E S S A S S O C I AT I O N

The White Iris Fashion & Design

St.

2219 Augusta Street Greenville, SC 29605 864.438.4750 thewhiteiris@hotmail.com

— all the things, places and faces. Remember…

T 44 43 42 40 41 37 38 39

Sunday, November 20 from 1-5 pm

You’ll find it Only on Augusta.

WhiteIris GWL11.indd 1

OnlyOnAugusta.com

OnlyOnAugusta.com

11/9/11 11:02:16 AM

24. Wisteria Salon 25. Embassy Flowers 26. Davani’s 27. A Finer Fit 28. Labels Designer Consignments 29. Kate Carlyle 30. The Bakery Off Augusta 31. Wireless Communications

Holiday Open House

So take the time to discover — or rediscover

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dining opportunities around every corner.

a Dr. August

businesses side-by-side with nationally acclaimed

30 Gift Certificate

to heritage, and rare blend of locally-owned

Upstate resident looking to spend a day relaxing,

vibrant retail & business districts and shopping &

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Welcome to Augusta Road! Whether you’re an

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23. Paws & Claws

3219 Augusta St., Greenville • 864.277.4180 • ThePickwick.net • M-F 9-6; Sat. 9-3

45-47

25 26

Ore gon St.

18 17

18. Strictly Nails

Cur eton St.

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17. Let’s Face It

From holiday decoration to fine gifts for all year, come to The Pickwick!

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Melville Ave.

Aberdeen Dr.

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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16. Antiques on Augusta

For the Brightest Season Ever!

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32. Consign & Design 33. Greenville First Bank 34. The White Iris 35. Ponthieux’s Jewelry Design 36. Palmetto Olive Oil 37. Trousseau 38. Sassy on Augusta 39. The Elephant’s Trunk 40. The Perfect Gift 41. Muse Shoe Studio 42. New York Butcher 43. Chico’s 44. Foxfire Gallery & Kitchen Shops 45. Sprague & Sprague Consulting Engineers 46. Briles Company 47. The Pickwick H O L I D AY O P E N H O U S E 2 0 1 1

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Happy Holidays from our family to yours

3101 Augusta St.| 864-242-3106

Visit

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Tasty Deals!

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2118 Augusta Street | Greenville, SC 29605 | 864.236.5570

Trust your Holiday Garments to

Members of the Augusta Road Business Association kicked off the holiday season by covering a shift on the kitchen line at Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers meals to homebound individuals. This day of service is just one of various ARBA efforts on behalf of nonprofit organizations located within the Augusta Road Business District.

at the Augusta Road Holiday Open House for some

ARBA members pictured at Meals on Wheels are (seated, L-R) Kelly Odom, Cher Hoskins, Caroline Kimball, Brenda McKay and Debra Plosky; (standing, L-R) Karen Abrams, Frank Ogletree, Todd Johnson, Sherry Ogletree, Terri Craig, Mary Butler Locke, Wanda Ponthieux and Welch Bostick.

Personalized Cleaning & Hand Finishing

1707 Augusta Rd. Greenville 864-242-5606 10

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Serving the Upstate for 58 years

OnlyOnAugusta.com

Everything You Need, Anything But Common

A CH

IC BOUTIQUE

Augusta Commons Shopping Center

OnlyOnAugusta.com

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2222 Augusta Street, Greenville H O L I D AY O P E N H O U S E 2 0 1 1

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Think outside the

(BIG) BOX Wrap up your best holiday by shopping Augusta Road Augusta Road. This vibrant corridor

By now we’ve got this holiday-during-

offers most anything, and everything,

a-recession thing figured out.

you might want: gifts, jewelry, antiques,

The tough economy might have slimmed our past few Christmases,

home décor, fashion, fine arts, toys,

but it sure didn’t steal ‘em – not even

music, flowers, candy, cupcakes … the

the Grinch could do that. What’s

list goes on. It’s all here, it’s all local,

changed is our buying philosophy;

and it all matters.

That’s no cliché. Shopping local

seems the tighter our budget, the more we realize the benefits of

truly does matter – and not just to the

shopping local.

merchants who ring up your sales.

Greenville its unique character, a

That’s right: after many a yuletide

Keeping our dollars right here at home

flavor somewhat in danger of being

big-box districts or logging onto the

spent pointing and clicking our way

creates local jobs and funds city/county

overpowered by cookie-cutter

web, take a drive down Augusta Road

through gift lists, we’ve decided

services via sales tax.

corridors filled only with national and

where it’s delightfully easy to discover

big-box retailers. Greenville-centric

the best buys of the season amongst

Money’s tight, it’s true. Too true.

to leave that virtual shopping cart

businesses.

One-of-a-kind businesses give

So instead of venturing over to the

empty. And our presents won’t be in

But the past few Christmas shopping

boutiques create diversity while

the diversity, originality and – did we

big boxes, either. Instead, we’re going

seasons have taught us that, instead

fostering competition by offering

mention? – convenience of in-and-out

unique – that means boutique – so

of wringing out every last cent of

goods based on the needs of local

boutique shopping.

that our purchases not only delight

perceived savings, we should focus on

clientele, rather than on a national

the recipients but also give support to

being intentional about how and where

sales plan, so we enjoy a much

sites might sell product a little

the homegrown merchants who bring

we spend our disposable income.

broader range of the products we

cheaper … but in-person expertise

actually want to buy.

is priceless. Give yourself over to

A dollar spent at a locally-owned

special products, services and variety

Interaction matters. Online

business has three times the impact

What’s more, customer service is

on our community as a dollar spent

inherently more personal when the

their insights and opinions. Indulge

during lean times. Less money requires

at a national chain; a dollar clicked

owner is behind the counter – and it’s

their encouragement to consider

more thought. And more thought is all

to an online store based elsewhere

these local owners who invest in our

something different.

about paying attention to how – and

has no impact at all. Buying local

community. They live here and, thus,

where – we shop as well as what we

has a rippling effect, too, sustaining

are more committed to Greenville’s

the local economy click this holiday

actually buy. Time spent browsing

jobs not only where the purchase

well-being. Statistics suggest non-profit

shopping season and we’ll all be a

turns out to be time well spent, and

was made but also at other

organizations receive an average 350%

whole lot merrier.

we’ve decided it’s best to spend it with

establishments where that merchant

more support from local companies

the locally-owned businesses along

buys supplies or services.

than they do from non-locally owned

to town.

Gift-giving can actually get better

the sales staff, making the most of

So shop local. It matters. Make

And most of all, enjoy the season and happy holidays.

&

68 cents 5 to 8 cents If

of every dollar spent in a local

store stays here, sales tax represents just

Happy Holidays

, depending on where you live, so most of that money goes for other goods and services.

from your Hometown Banker

2125 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 864-679-9480 J111

...it matters!

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OnlyOnAugusta.com

McDaniel Village Shopping Center

Please join us for our

Holiday Open House Nov. 20th • 1-5pm We will have lots of Holiday Goodies to try and a Gift Basket Drawing!

p

House, we’ll be giving away

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a gift basket of goodies.

Kate Carlyle “A Gift Boutique”

1922 Augusta St., Ste 114 Greenville 864-421-0440 KateCarlyle.com

center will be filling a gift basket with gift cards and

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to register while you’re here.

7 Bra

Now Open Sundays 1-5 PM

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McDaniel Village | 1922 Augusta St., Ste. 112 864.631.1919 | labelsonaugusta.com

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Merchants in our shopping

other items. So don’t forget

Gift Certificates Available

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During the Holiday Open

la la la la

Best Cold Food  Best Hot Food  Best Dessert

SERVING GREENVILLE SINCE 1985

McDaniel Village is located at 1922 Augusta Street.

See you there!

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Triple Crown Winner of 2010 Taste of the Nation

p 7 9

Elegant Lingerie and Bra Salon

Specializing in bra fittings from sizes 30A to 44H

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Great selection of sleepwear, loungewear, shapewear & maternity

Special Gifts 864-282-8600 1922 Augusta St. @ McDaniel Village www.embassy-flowers.com

OnlyOnAugusta.com

for every woman on your list

During the Holiday Open House weekend enjoy

20% off your purchases Nov. 18 - 20

1922 Augusta St. Suite 111, Greenville, SC 864.232.7676

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FIND US ON

864.373.9013 1922 Augusta Street McDaniel Village Holiday Gift Certificates Available

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Get your Holiday Shopping Wrapped Up All In One Place… ONLY ON AUGUSTA! FOR WHO

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STORE

A U G U S TA R O A D B U S I N E S S A S S O C I AT I O N

WHAT

DESCRIPTION

OnlyOnAugusta.com

Only On

Augusta

Business district boasts unrivaled shopping experience

A Taxing Issue Online shopping sites impact far more than their brick-and-mortar competitors – indeed, most any sale lost by a local business to the Web equals lost tax revenue as well.

According to a study by the University of Tennessee, South Carolina lost $94 million in uncollected Internet sales taxes last year and can OnlyOnAugusta.com

It’s All Right Here Besides, shopping local – especially on Augusta Road – is convenient in its own right.

When looking at everything up and down Augusta, comparing the vibrant shopping district to Atlanta’s trendy Buckhead, it’s not all high-end; there are shops that suit almost every budget.

And variety is key.

“Only on Augusta can you find such a diverse collection of locally-owned

businesses: boutiques, children’s stores, clothing shops for both men and women, home stores, great restaurants and more,” states the owner of one Augusta Road business. “In a short distance we offer everything a mall does – and it’s almost all local so that’s an extra perk.”

“This is boutique shopping rather than big-box shopping,” he says. “You get the uniqueness, but you also get easy in-andout convenience; there’s close, ample parking for every store and you’re able to get up and down the street without getting stuck in traffic.” d

pa py Holiday s H

A Rippling Effect Local businesses provide local jobs, according to Karen Abrams of Foxfire Gallery & Kitchen Shops, not only by hiring their own employees but also sustaining employment at other homegrown establishments where they purchase goods and services.

“We do business with other Greenville businesses – local suppliers, local service providers, local professionals like accountants and attorneys,” she says, and this ripple effect supports the entire Upstate economy.

What’s more, nobody supports Greenville’s charities like Greenville’s businesses. Not just monetary contributions to the big campaigns but also a constant stream of donations for everything from PTA fundraisers to silent auction galas. In fact, statistics show non-profit organizations receive an average 350% greater support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.

“We live here,” Abrams explains. “So

We look forward to celebrating the holidays for the fourth year in a row with our neighbors in the Upstate Community.

Let us help you with the PELHAM ROAD DOWNTOWN perfect phone for your 3935-G Pelham Rd, GREENVILLE special someone. 103 N. Main St., Ste 102, Greenville, SC 29615 Phone: 864-284-1000

AUGUSTA ROAD

2007 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605 Phone: 864-282-8050

FIVE FORKS

2531 Woodruff Rd. Unit 106, Simpsonville, SC 29681 Phone: 864-631-1240

Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (864) 236-7090

POWDERSVILLE

3445 Highway 153, Piedmont, SC 29673 Phone: 864-991-8868

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Online shopping is a siren song of 24-hour access – surf at work! in the carpool line! in your pajamas in the middle of the night! – while brickand-mortar merchants dance to a different tune.

Virtual stores make it possible to point, click, checkout, pay, all without having to see, much less talk to, another soul. But is that a feature … or a bug? Shopping was never meant to be a solitary experience, Augusta Road business owners say, and they’re counteracting the online allure with enhanced emphasis on expert customer service.

Local merchants aren’t merely about moving a product – they also offer services and talents that simply can’t be provided via the Web.

expect to lose another $110 million in 2010. Projections are that between 2007 and 2012, the total sales tax revenue lost will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $569 million – all this in a state that’s struggling mightily with massive budget cuts amidst a struggling economy.

Such issues are moot when people shop local. This matters – and not just to the merchants – because local businesses recirculate far more money in the Upstate economy than national chains. Statistics show that for every $100 spent in an independently-owned store, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures; by contrast, when $100 is spent in a national chain only $43 stays here.

Spend that same hundred online and exactly NOTHING comes back.

we are more committed to supporting this community.”

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HISTORIC

LEWIS PLAZA

AUGUSTA ROAD • GREENVILLE, SC LEWISPLAZA.COM

Holiday Open House Start your holiday shopping with us! Preview great holiday items and gift ideas!

Sunday, November 20 • 1-5pm Carriage Rides • Santa Claus • Refreshments • Face Painting Register to win one of nine $100 gift certificates

ANTIQUES ON AUGUSTA FLEET FEET SPORTS GAGE’S GREENBRIAR COTTAGE HARRISON LIGHTING LET’S FACE IT MCALISTER’S DELI MOPPETS PLAZA JEWELERS SHOGUN OF T OKYO STRICTLY NAILS TEN T HOUSAND V ILLAGES LIKE US ON J111

FOOD DRIVE !

Bring food donations for Samaritan House