Get ready for a new shopping experience in Central City as Thursday has now become the day to get out and shop our local community thanks to a partnership from local companies.

Today kicks off “Thursday Night Lights” a shopping experience that will see area businesses stay open until at least 7:00 pm.

With many people working during the day organizers hope to see Thursday nights become the prime shopping night in Central City. Taking part in the event will be All the Things Boutique, Bing’s Pets, Central True Value, Magnolia’s Boutique, Brandy’s Balloons, Merrick Medical Thrift Store and The Wishing Well.

For more information visit these businesses on social media and if you are interested in joining in on the fun as a business, contact Courtney at Magnolias or Jamie at All the Things.

The Thursday night shopping event will continue each week with special promotions and spotlight businesses each week. The timing works out great as many shoppers are beginning to start thinking about the holiday shopping season.

A busy time for retail with so much going on to wrap up the year. The Central City Area Chamber of Commerce will also look to be involved along the way.

“The retail landscape of our community is an important part of what attracts people to our community and makes it so special,” says Chamber President Ryan Dettman. “We have seen with the Thursday night shopping how great our local business owners can work together and now we all need to stand behind them and support that. We would love to see this be a success as we move deeper into the year. We will also be in for a treat with Small Town Market Days next month and then in November we kick off the holiday season with Small Business Saturday.”

The Chamber themselves are now “Under Construction” as they began to look at the future of the organization and search for a new director. In the meantime it is business as usual as the organization looks to continue meeting the needs of their members.

“We certainly remain committed to our members just as much as we have ever been, says Dettman. “I am still taking calls on the Chamber’s phone, emails are being checked and things are running as normal just without set office hours. I certainly can be reached anytime at the newspaper office if you’d like to meet in person also.”

New beginnings seem to be all around as both the Chamber and our retail businesses head into a busy season beginning this Thursday.