You’ve heard of SantaCon. You’ve heard of a bar crawl. You know Small Business Saturday came and went. But what happens when you mix all three?
“Ho, Ho, Ho 4 Hoboken” is looking to do just that. The mission of Ho, Ho, Ho 4 Hoboken is to bring the community of Hoboken together for a day of local eating, drinking, shopping, and cheer.
Anyone wearing a free bracelet can take advantage of great deals at local businesses, from getting discounts off apparel to including having a martini named after you if you donate a certain amount of money.
The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 22 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to every business in Hoboken that wants to participate.
Businesses need you
Rory Chadwick, owner of Midtown Authentic and a Hoboken Rotary member, organized the fundraiser after witnessing local businesses starting to “cave.”
“Small business Saturday didn’t work out for everybody,” said Chadwick. “While the city is slowly coming around to help, when you are a mom and pop shop, not a Target, Walgreen’s, or Best Buy, you can’t afford to lose months of business. I thought let me take a traditional SantaCon but make it beneficial to all local businesses.”
“I thought, let me take a traditional SantaCon but make it beneficial to all local businesses.” – Rory Chadwick
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What’s a business crawl?
Chadwick explained that when you host a bar crawl, only a limited number of venues can be involved and this can create animosity from those aren’t asked.
“I wanted an event that would incorporate everyone, at least give everyone the option to be involved,” Chadwick said.
Including everyone meant asking bars, restaurants, retail stores, professional services, pet services, the list goes on. Chadwick hopes to include between 150 and 200 businesses in the crawl.
Traditionally, events can offer a bracelet or wristband for purchase which will indicate that you are a part of the crawl, event, etc.
Chadwick will be making thousands of wristbands that are free.
“Why have them spend money on the bracelet when they can take that money and put it into local business?” he asked.
Anyone wearing a bracelet will receive certain benefits and deals.
“The wristbands act as a passport, they entice them to shop, but they don’t have to,” said Chadwick.
Feeling perky
By letting Chadwick know your business “perk,” whether it be 25 cent wings or buy-one-get-one-free apparel, participants can take advantage.
“Portions of the perks also go back to RebuildHoboken.org,” Chadwick said, referring to a charity that is helping to rebuild Hoboken. “For example, Willie McBride’s will donate one dollar from each drink bought to the organization.”
Chadwick also explained some bigger perks, like how donating $500 can land you your own named martini at the Madison Bar and Grill for all of 2013.
“In other words, a pineapple martini now could be called the Rory Chadwick all next year,” he said.
Hair Cult, 1124 Washington St., is set to offer $20 gift certificates (valid 1/3/13 to 3/3/13) to anyone spending $50 or more during Ho, Ho, Ho, 4 Hoboken. CKO Kickboxing will give a one-week membership to those who come in during the event.
The city of Hoboken also recently allowed for free parking in municipal garages in the month of December with proof of a $20 purchase.
“It’s great because there is free parking in the garages. I also encourage people to dress up. Put on a hat or a Santa Suit,” Chadwick said.
Those outside of Hoboken can also help by searching for the “Ho Ho Ho 4 Hoboken” event on the crowd-funding platform, www.Indiegogo.com.
There people can donate any amount or buy a virtual shot for Hoboken for $5, rather than buy their next round.
Add your business
The opportunity to add your business to the roster is still wide open.
To get involved in the event, any business in town can email Chadwick at midtownauthentic@gmail.com. Include in your email what discount or benefit your business would like to honor for the event. For more information on the event or participating businesses, visit www.HoHoHo4Hoboken.com.
Amanda Palasciano may be reached at amandap@hudsonreporter.com.