Moultrie adds holiday lights to attract visitors and encourage early shopping

MOULTRIE, Ga. – Downtown Moultrie asking shoppers to help local business owners this holiday season by buying from small businesses.

“We’re mainly just posting trying to get our customers to understand what we do and how we’re there for them with everything going on right now and during the holiday season,” says Hallie’s Place boutique employee Emily Brooks.

With smaller, locally owned shops being hit hard by the COVID-19 economic impact, like seeing less customers walk through their doors, spending dollars in town helps businesses stay afloat during this uncertain year.

“When you shop local the money stays local and that local money helps local families,” says Brooks.

“And with that, it helps small business owners give back to the community,” says Hallie’s Place boutique employee Avery Kilgore.

And to help attract potential shoppers to the area, downtown Moultrie is is dressed up in lights, ornaments and holiday cut-outs earlier than usual this season.

“Now more than ever it’s so important to support our locally owned shops and restaurants, we just went through a pandemic and everyone hurt in that and now is a grand time to show your support even more,” says Amy Johnson, City of Moultrie Downtown Economic Development and Public Relations Director.

Spending time and money in small downtown areas gives consumers a unique experience thats hard to find in big stores or online.

“You get to meet the owners that care about you, that get to know you by your first name, they know your family, and it’s just the fun feel, and it just gives you a feeling like you’re in a Hallmark movie,” says Johnson.

And to encourage early shopping, stores are open even later this week.