Boutiques Strike Back Against The Big Box

Photo by John Arundel/Local Kicks Erin Dwyer, owner of the "Murphy and Me" boutique.

ALEXANDRIA, VA - You don't have to go to crowded malls or frenzied discount stores to get great  discounts this holiday season. "Skip the craziness," says Amy Rutherford, owner of Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria. "Come to Old Town for discounts from 26 one-of-a-kind boutiques"

Members of the Old Town Boutique District – a collection of Alexandria-owned retailers – have teamed up again to encourage area shoppers to buy locally and save.

"If you bought from one of the participating stores your receipt became an instant 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any of the other participating stores," Rutherford says.

Some of the retailers had a few restrictions, but there was no limit on the number of stores shoppers could visit, or the amount of savings they could rack up.

For example, shoppers who bought at Bloomers got 10 percent off at Red Barn Mercantile.

 Full-purchase receipts got 10 percent off purchases at La Cuisine, Mystique Jewelers, The Christmas Attic and other Old Town stores, too.

The offer was good only from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Black Friday, November 27, but Rutherford said there might be additional days in December the promotion might run.

"It's a really great way to save, get to know some of our local retailers and help the local economy all at the same time," said Kim Putens, co-owner of Bellacara and Bloomers. "We did this last year and it was a big hit with customers. This year, we have about 15 more stores participating. That means a greater selection and bigger savings on gifts for just about everyone on your list."

For more information about the Old Town Boutique District or other events December, visit www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com.

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