SHOP DAY TO NIGHT. Who says that "shopping small" has to stay within the hours of 9-to-5, or on Small Business Saturday alone? Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) believes exactly that; they're bringing local shoppers a "Cozy Night Out" with recurring retail-shopping experiences for the holiday season in November and December.

As dozens of Eau Claire’s retail shops prepare their holiday specials and seasonal offerings, the focus has expanded beyond Small Business Saturday to collectively celebrate small and local businesses all season long.

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) invites you and loved ones for a “Cozy Night Out,” a new series of evening festivities from late November into early December.

On Nov. 21, 28 and Dec. 12, retail-focused businesses throughout each of the four Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) — South Barstow, North Barstow, West Grand and Water Street — will extend their hours into the evening with special pop-up events, limited deals and all-around cozy experiences.

"We really want to connect the idea of downtown being a community space where everybody's welcome."

ERIN KLAUS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DECI

“One of the efforts that DECI is really trying to focus on this year is how do we get people to engage in the community in a fun way,” Erin Klaus, DECI executive director, said. “Cozy Night Out puts the power in the hands of each (small) business to capitalize and promote what it is they are good at.”

Aside from holiday offerings and new seasonal-driven deals from the registered businesses, participants will also offer comforting beverages like hot cocoa or cider — and additional discounts specific to each location — to patrons to continue the warm and cozy atmosphere of the recurring event.

Currently, involved businesses across the four BIDs include FIO Vintage Clothing & Decor, Mr. Kitty’s Cat Café & Boutique, Riverflow Refillery, The Local Store, Tangled Up In Hue, and Verdant Curiosities among others.

Cozy Night Out participating businesses:

• Avalon Floral (421 Water St., Eau Claire)
• Mona Lisa's and FIO Vintage Clothing & Decor (430 Water St., Eau Claire)
• Mr. Kitty's Cat Café & Boutique (502 S Farwell St., Eau Claire)
• The Local Store (205 N Dewey St., Eau Claire)
• Riverflow Refillery (207 N Barstow St., Eau Claire)
• Tangled Up In Hue (505 S Barstow St. #B, Eau Claire)
• Verdant Curiosities (320 Graham Ave. #101, Eau Claire)
• 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery (216 S Barstow St., Eau Claire)
• Audrey's Boudoir (404 S Barstow St., Eau Claire)
• Wisconsin Makers Market (404 S Barstow St., Eau Claire)
• Dotters Books (307 S Barstow St., Eau Claire)
• Eau Claire Outdoors (225 N Barstow St., Eau Claire)
• Gaudalet Gallery (618 S Farwell St., Eau Claire)
• Lot 3 Mercantile Co. (205 Gibson St., Eau Claire)
• Planette Kids (100 N Farwell St. Suite 116, Eau Claire)
• SHIFT (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire)
• Seven Suns Vintage (305 S Barstow St., Eau Claire)
• Silver Feather (126 S Barstow St., Eau Claire)
• Token Jewelry (106 W Grand Ave., Eau Claire)
• Menomonie Market Food Co-op (206 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire)

FIO Vintage Clothing & Decor is a newer small biz to the downtown area fabric, located on Water St. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

Klaus hopes residents and visitors will savor the warm glow of downtown lanterns — provided by DECI to serve as a visual mark for participating locations — and make new memories with entrepreneurs and shop owners whose services extend beyond the holiday season.

“We really want to connect the idea of downtown being a community space where everybody's welcome,” Klaus said. “We are really working on making sure (DECI is) driving people to the area and making sure that all groups — no matter where you're coming from — have a space to be there.”

Registration for Eau Claire’s inaugural Cozy Night Out closes on Friday, Nov. 14. Retail purveyors interested in participating need only complete an online registration form; indicate their preferred evening (choose one or all available dates) and their planned festive offerings. DECI will provide all participating businesses with marketing opportunities, storefront lanterns and further exciting announcements.

For more information and to register for this year’s Cozy Night Out — slated for Nov. 21, 28 and Dec. 12 — with Downtown Eau Claire Inc. (DECI) visit downtowneauclaire.org/cozy. Keep up with the festive happenings online through DECI social media platforms (@downtowneauclaire).