May 20, 2009

Shoppers spending $20 on the 20thBy Haley HughesAikenStandard.com

Shopper Brenda Worsham gladly slapped a yellow sticker on her shirt Wednesday, showing that she spent $20 on the 20th.

Well, she spent a little more than $20.

“I helped the economy,” she laughed as Malissa Beckner at Tea Garden Gifts wrapped up the gift Worsham bought. “I ate at Malia’s then went to Unique Expressions. I’m afraid I spent more than $20. But I was looking for a gift, and the (Tea Garden Gift) ad caught my eye.”

Businesses around Aiken County that participated in the $20 on the 20th program said they were delighted with the idea and the response it generated.

“We’ve done great today,” said Von Robertson, owner of Mountain Mudd Espresso. “We’ve had six (customers for our deal today), which I think is pretty good. People talked about how glad they are we’re doing it.”

Michelle Hunt was walking down Laurens Street on Wednesday, perusing downtown merchants’ $20 on the 20th deals.

“I wanted to see if I could find anything,” she said. “I am actually going over to Birds & Butterflies.”

Everyone can use help these days, she added.

A brainchild of the Aiken Standard, the $20 on the 20th initiative urges consumers to spend at least $20 locally with the idea that every dollar spent here will multiply when the employees of those stores turn around and spend their paychecks at other businesses.

If every person 18 or older living in Aiken County spent $20 Wednesday, it could potentially funnel $2.1 million back into the local economy.The program began in April. The results from retailers and consumers alike was so positive that the decision was made to promote it again.

Lionel Smith Ltd. Store Manager Danny Minolfo said a woman bought two pairs of shorts and two shirts for her son, but hadn’t originally planned to shop Wednesday.

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