"Come Home To Main Street" Campaign Brings Out New Faces

Small businesses participating in the were encouraged by the turnout for the promotional event that began on Tuesday.

Charline Spektor, a co-owner of and helped organize the grassroots campaign, said on Wednesday that shoppers definitely took advantage of the 15 percent discount the Tuesday-only campaign offered. BookHampton is the pick-up location for the day pass.

"We handed out about 70 day passes, and many, many folks were surprised and delighted by all the opportunities," she said. Several businesses, including , , and took part in the promotional effort. She said she saw shoppers dropping into with "holiday-lists in hand."

Vincent Alibrandi, the owner of , said that he had a bigger response to the campaign than he had expected, given it's brand new and that it was the first day. "I saw faces that I've never seen, " he said, adding that there was a slight increase in sales for the day.  

Spektor agreed that the effort will gain momentum because, she said, word of mouth is its greatest advertisement. "It will become less of a secret and more of a 'great find'," she said.

At , manager Theo Foscolo said that while he only had a few people come in for lunch to take advantage of the discount, he is confident he will see more over time. "We had a few people talk it up to other guests," he said. Participating restaurants have offered a 15 percent discount on lunch for day pass shoppers.

Alibrandi said he was appreciative for the village board's support; Tuesday's parking limit was supended to help encourage people to spend money in the village. The parking reprieve will continue on Tuesdays until April, when the campaign ends.

As part of the campaign, shoppers who have their day pass book stamped at three participating locations, or bring a canned good donation, to are entitled to see the Tuesday matinee for free at 2 p.m.

"Three people took advantage of the free movie, and we believe others will come as this was the first week and word needs to get out," said Barbara Jo Howard, the director of marketing and communications at Guild Hall. With 19 films scheduled from now until April, there is plenty of opportunity to find a film you would enjoy.