Fashion, food, and local entrepreneurship took center stage in downtown Savannah today as the Savannah Downtown Business Association hosted its RetailFest Luncheon, an event aimed at strengthening the city’s retail scene.Dozens of local business owners gathered for the sold-out event, which opened with a lively pop-up market showcasing small businesses from across the city. Attendees explored a variety of local goods before enjoying a runway show featuring fan-favorite boutiques and designers.Attendees joined a panel discussion featuring local entrepreneurs who spoke openly about the challenges facing small businesses — from decreased foot traffic to shifting consumer habits. Business owners also shared strategies to increase local engagement and keep downtown Savannah vibrant year-round.”It’s not as busy as I would like it to be, and so we really depend on our locals a lot to make up for that lack of traffic,” said Kirsten Harkelroad, owner of The Fancy Pheasant. “A little bit for a small business goes a long way. If everyone would do a little bit, it makes a big difference.”Organizers say the goal of Retail-Fest was to shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting locally owned businesses — especially during slower economic seasons — while also sparking deeper conversations about long-term growth and sustainability in the downtown district.”We’ve got an amazing sold-out turnout to support the success of these local retailers,” said Mia Mance, Executive Director of the Savannah Downtown Business Association. “It’s a slow season right now, we know there are all kinds of things going on nationally, and Savannah protects Savannah. It’s about ensuring our local retailers are supported.” To cap off the celebration, guests participated in a raffle giveaway with prizes donated by local shops.From pop-up shopping to powerful conversations, RetailFest was a call to action for locals to rally behind the entrepreneurs who help make downtown Savannah unique.
Fashion, food, and local entrepreneurship took center stage in downtown Savannah today as the Savannah Downtown Business Association hosted its RetailFest Luncheon, an event aimed at strengthening the city’s retail scene.
Dozens of local business owners gathered for the sold-out event, which opened with a lively pop-up market showcasing small businesses from across the city. Attendees explored a variety of local goods before enjoying a runway show featuring fan-favorite boutiques and designers.
Attendees joined a panel discussion featuring local entrepreneurs who spoke openly about the challenges facing small businesses — from decreased foot traffic to shifting consumer habits. Business owners also shared strategies to increase local engagement and keep downtown Savannah vibrant year-round.
“It’s not as busy as I would like it to be, and so we really depend on our locals a lot to make up for that lack of traffic,” said Kirsten Harkelroad, owner of The Fancy Pheasant. “A little bit for a small business goes a long way. If everyone would do a little bit, it makes a big difference.”
Organizers say the goal of Retail-Fest was to shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting locally owned businesses — especially during slower economic seasons — while also sparking deeper conversations about long-term growth and sustainability in the downtown district.
“We’ve got an amazing sold-out turnout to support the success of these local retailers,” said Mia Mance, Executive Director of the Savannah Downtown Business Association. “It’s a slow season right now, we know there are all kinds of things going on nationally, and Savannah protects Savannah. It’s about ensuring our local retailers are supported.”
To cap off the celebration, guests participated in a raffle giveaway with prizes donated by local shops.
From pop-up shopping to powerful conversations, RetailFest was a call to action for locals to rally behind the entrepreneurs who help make downtown Savannah unique.
