The Billings Chamber has announced its “Keep the Cheer Here” campaign to encourage shopping locally. The campaign extends from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21. Shop Small Saturday is Nov. 28. The event features a board game for shoppers and many local small businesses will have special sales and prizes on Shop Small Saturday.

Have you heard of Plaid Friday?

Wearing plaid on Friday after Thanksgiving is another way to show support for our local economy. Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of local and independent businesses. “It’s a fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store ‘Black Friday’ consumer frenzy,” say its founders in Oakland, California, who created the concept “to bring back the times when shopping for friends and family was a pleasurable leisurely activity.”

Plaid Friday is celebrated throughout the nation as part of the Shop Indie Local Campaign. They encourage stores owners to participate by wearing plaid and taking pictures of customers who wear plaid and posting them, by making plaid –themed displays, and using plaid ribbon and wrapping paper or bags.

Rimrock Mall will host curbside pickup. “Curbside pick-up options for retail and dining is a great way to shop/order from your favorite locations and we want to make it easier and more comfortable for shoppers to enjoy their favorite stores and restaurants,” said Devin Hartley, General Manager of Rimrock Mall.  Also at Rimrock Mall, Nov. 29 is “Merry Little Kick Off Event” featuring the awarding of a free gift bag loaded with goodies to the first 250 guests that spend $50 or more at mall stores.