Brooklyn shoppers started reeling in the bargains — and some free sake! — on Thursday as Park Slope’s second annual “Snowflake Celebration” returned with expansive deals at boutiques and restaurants throughout Park Slope.
The good news is that merchants and restaurants along Fifth and Seventh avenues will agan stay open late and dole out bargains and treats next Thursday, Dec. 11, as part of the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce’s “Buy in Brooklyn” campaign.
“In the current and impending economic climate, it’s more important than ever to keep our local economy strong and healthy,” said event organizer Catherine Bohne, who owns the Community Bookstore at 143 Seventh Ave., and who is making fake snow just for the event.
More than 150 businesses are participating, and at Aunt Suzie’s restaurant on Fifth Avenue, owner Irene LoRe said she will buy everyone an after-dinner drink and give out coupons for $15 off a diner’s next meal. Moim restaurant on Garfield Place just off Seventh Avenue will be handing out sake shots (which should make for a warming trend).
“The Snowflake Celebration is really special to keep people in Brooklyn, rather than the other boroughs,” LoRe said. “It keeps people in their neighborhood and encourages them to buy locally.”
The first event on Dec. 4 “went great, despite the rain,” said Melinda Morris of Lion in the Sun, a Seventh Avenue stationery store. “People came out specifically for the event and stayed until the bitter end.”
Others were less enthusiastic.
“The weather made it lousy,” said Phil Chaitman, manager of Good Footing, also on Seventh Avenue. “There are so many sales going on right now that people are overwhelmed. But I do think this week’s event will be better. People will be more in the holiday spirit.”
The Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District is going rogue (a bit) by extending the fun to Dec. 19, said LoRe, who is president of the BID.
— with Liza Eckert
The celebration starts at 7 pm on Dec. 11, and is spread throughout streets in Park Slope and the main arteries of Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. For information and a list of participating stores and deals, visit buyinbrooklyn.com.
