Small Businesses Shine Bright in Red Bank through the Holidays
Businesses attract shoppers with decorated window displays, price discounts and free parking
Red Bank, N.J. — Strolling along the crowded street, there is no mistaking the holiday spirit in the air. Shoppers stop periodically to gaze into the meticulously decorated holiday window displays.
If you stop long enough, you may even realize the mannequin in the window is actually a live model. What sounds like an evening along Fifth Avenue in New York City is actually just another holiday season right here in Red Bank.
Over 40 businesses are participating in the holiday window display showcase in Red Bank. Beginning on Nov. 27, store window displays are transformed for the holidays. The shared theme of the displays is the Twelve Days of Christmas, with shoppers having the opportunity to find hidden items in the displays that relate back to the theme.
The Red Bank RiverCenter provides prizes for participants. Although the window displays provide holiday fun for people of all ages, they also benefit local businesses during the busiest shopping periods of the year. Black Friday fell on Friday, Nov. 27, and Small Business Saturday was Nov. 28.
The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that Small Business Saturday “is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities.” James Scavone, executive director of the Red Bank RiverCenter, said the window display is designed to support Red Bank small businesses.
“It’s (the holiday window displays) basically designed to draw people to town and to get them around town once they’re here because there are so many different businesses participating. It really forces people to walk around the town and visit the different stores,” Scavone said.
The Red Bank RiverCenter works in conjunction with local government officials and business owners to keep downtown Red Bank a clean and vibrant place for residents, businesses and visitors. Although what may seem like a shore town with a busy summer tourism season, the Red Bank RiverCenter works to make Red Bank a destination of choice all year.
“We’re really one of the only towns on the Jersey Shore that is not a summer-only destination. So Red Bank is very active all year long which makes it attractive for businesses,” said Scavone.
Vikki Albanese, owner of Tranquilla Nail Spa on Monmouth Street, agrees. She relocated her business from Spring Lake to Red Bank in 2013.
“What attracted me to the town of Red Bank was the mid-town feel. Coming from Spring Lake with a smaller town and it being very seasonal, I was looking to expand the business year round,” Albanese said.
Albanese also appreciates efforts the Red Bank RiverCenter makes to drive people to town with events, including the holiday window display.
“This fun event allows for family and friends to go around to all of the participating stores and see what day they have in their windows,” said Albanese.
Businesses throughout Red Bank also had models posing as mannequins on Nov. 29. Sponsored by Barbizon, the models will be part of the window displays on select days throughout the holidays.
Shopper Michael Garvey appreciated the intricate displays while strolling through town.
“Red Bank has a lot to offer, especially during the holidays. Every Saturday they have horse drawn carriages and carolers throughout town. It really makes it feel like Christmas,” Garvey said.
For more information on seasonal happenings in Red Bank, visit redbank.org. Free parking will also be offered on select weekends through December.
