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2024 NC Main Street Champion
The Small Business Saturday Committee—comprised of Ashley Howell, owner of The Lenz Studio and a pop-up market expert; Kathleen Reeder, owner of The Bead Lady; and Cindy Sheppard, owner and head leather smith at ShoeBeeDo—has spent the past two years creating innovative, retail-focused promotions to drive traffic to Downtown Concord.
Despite the challenges posed by a massive infrastructure and streetscape project that reduced foot traffic, these business owners remained undeterred. In November 2023, they collaborated with Downtown Concord staff to organize a dynamic Small Business Saturday event featuring 50+ pop-up vendors, trolley rides to nearby destinations, photos with Santa, and a shopping challenge to boost downtown spending.
Their creativity didn’t stop there. The trio launched the Hop into Downtown shopping event, where surprise discounts were hidden inside Easter eggs at various businesses. They followed this with Harmony Under the Stars, an elegant dinner event showcasing local cuisine, cocktails, handmade takeaways, and opportunities to connect with neighbors. To encourage more evening activity, they introduced Love Local Thursdays, offering extended shopping hours and additional dining options on the first and third Thursdays of each month.
Through their dedication and collaborative efforts, Ashley Howell, Kathleen Reeder, and Cindy Sheppard have made a lasting impact on Downtown Concord. The city proudly recognizes the Small Business Saturday Committee as its 2024 North Carolina Main Street Champion.