From THE BUSY THIMBLE
The Busy Thimble, 148 S. Main St., will be participating in the third annual All Ohio Shop Hop from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30. Known as “The Great Sewing Adventure Across Ohio,” this event offers benefits not available in smaller hops.
Features include the All Ohio Shop Hop Magazine, free patterns, a “thank you” gift for shop hoppers from each participating shop (while supplies last) and chances to win prizes at the end of the event. The Busy Thimble will also have the exclusive Ohio-themed fabric line available for purchase while supplies last.
“Shop hoppers” do not need to make a purchase to participate in the All Ohio Shop Hop. The Busy Thimble is open Monday – Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Though initially unique to the quilting and sewing industry, shop hops are “cousins” to other marketing events that promote certain industries (such as pub crawls, antique road shows, road rallies, and similar events). Customers visit a quilting/sewing store, shop, and then hop to the next store to repeat the process.
Shop hops introduce quilting and sewing enthusiasts to participating stores and allow those shops to showcase their personalities to new and returning customers. Typically, shop hoppers collect stamps or stickers from each shop they visit, allowing them to earn discounts or win prizes.
In a day when brick and mortar retail locations are dwindling across the nation, a shop hop works to keep quilting and sewing stores thriving so customers can continue to browse, touch, and feel the fabrics in person. A shop hop not only supports the participating shops but also their communities as shop hoppers converge on the cities and towns where the stores are located, eating, shopping, and staying overnight. Estimates are that a large-scale shop hop can have an economic impact of $4.5-$7.5 million in just one state.
For shop hoppers, the experience is also about making memories. Many quilters hop with friends or family as they travel the state through towns large and small, often visiting places they have never visited before.
For more information call 419-806-4022 or email info@busythimble.com. For complete details about the All Ohio Shop Hop, visit their website at AllOhioShopHop.com.
