ROCKINGHAM — With the ever-popular Black Friday frenzy wrapped up, local shoppers can turn their attention to a new initiative in downtown Rockingham — Shop Small Saturday.

The Rockingham Downtown Corp. has partnered with local businesses for the daylong event to encourage shoppers to patronize businesses downtown.

Pattan’s Downtown Grille will be the Small Business Saturday headquarters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. where customers can pick up free shopping bags and other goodies, a listing of participating businesses and their offers and a free cup of coffee provided by the restaurant.

“We’re starting to see more activity as far as businesses downtown, so it made me think we need to drive more people downtown,” Rockingham Downtown Corp. President Susan Kelly previously said.

Everyone is encouraged to take photos of themselves that day with the business owners, staff, merchandise or signs and post them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hastag #ShopSmallRockingham.

“Shop small selfies are an excellent way to promote on social media, and it costs nothing,” said Kelly. “People are getting on board with it, which is exciting. A committee will pick the best selfie and recognize them at the annual Rockingham Downtown Corporation meeting in January.”

The purpose of the selfie contest is to support and promote local businesses by using social media to raise awareness. The RDC will select the best photo and the winner will be recognized at the RDC annual meeting on Jan. 19.

The Richmond County Daily Journal — a downtown business anchoring Harrington Square — will share the selfies on its Facebook and Twitter pages and publish them in the newspaper.

Downtown businesses participating include:

• Arts Richmond, 125 E. Washington St. — Various artists selling art

• Big K Propane, 469 E. Broad St. — $8 refills on 20-pound cylinders

• Discovery Place Kids, 233 E. Washington St. — Members get 20 percent off the gift kiosk along with gifts and memberships

• Helms Jewelers, 211 E. Washington St. — Special sale flier

• Henry’s Uptown Café, 188 S. Hancock St. — Free coffee with breakfast purchase of more than $5.25

• Hillside Florist, 216 E. Franklin St. — 10 percent off sale (can’t be combined with other offers)

• Pattan’s Downtown Grille, 228 E. Washington St. — Free coffee

• Rocking Trends Consignment, 201 E. Washington St. — 50 percent off

• Rockingham Fitness Center, 214 E. Washington St. — Free bottle of water

• Rockingham Hardware, 118 W. Washington St. — Free soft drink

• Sandhills Pharmacy, 310 E. Washington St. — Free health magazine

• Willow Tree Antiques and Gifts, 122 S. Hancock St. — 40 percent off leather items more than $40, 20 percent off jar candles, 25 percent off Willow Tree Nativity, buy a wax warmer and get free package of melts, no rainchecks, while supplies last.

Said Kelly, “We’re doing this to create buzz and interest beyond our community about what downtown Rockingham has to offer.”

Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Rocking Trends owner Lori Wright takes a snapshot of herself holding one of the Shop Small Saturday signs. Shoppers are encouraged to take selfies Saturday and post them on social media using the hashtag #ShopSmallRockingham.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_DSC_0827.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Rocking Trends owner Lori Wright takes a snapshot of herself holding one of the Shop Small Saturday signs. Shoppers are encouraged to take selfies Saturday and post them on social media using the hashtag #ShopSmallRockingham.

By Matt Harrelson

[email protected]