CHMA is introducing a new, semi-regular feature on Tantramar Report, the local business update.
We will be checking in regularly with Mainstreet Redevelopment’s general manager Gwen Zwicker to stay in the loop on what’s new with local businesses.
Here’s the first instalment, from Friday’s Tantramar Report:
Zwicker fills us in on some new stores and changes afoot in downtown Sackville, such as:
- The Vapour Trail recently opened on Bridge Street in the former Thunder and Lightning space.
- The Sackville Commons and the Kookie Kutter Bakery have traded places. “The Commons is down on Lorne Street, and the Kookie Kutter is now on Main Street,” says Zwicker. “It all seems to be working out well. Their spaces look nice and new and ready to go.”
- Knuckles Truffles has moved back into their original space, in the same building. They are “back to concentrating on their chocolate manufacturing,” says Zwicker, “although they will still be selling for takeout, soups and sandwiches and that sort of thing.”
Zwicker also gives the low-down on Moonlight Madness, happening this Friday and Saturday evening. “Of course, we all realize that it can’t be the same as it’s been in other years,” says Zwicker, “but there are a few things happening.”
Kids can drop off letters to Santa at Bill Johnstone park. Zwicker says that, “Santa will be out and about,” but kids won’t get to sit on his knee and whisper in his ear this year.
Some stores will be open late for the event, though many are playing it by ear, says Zwicker, and will remain open as long as customers are out and about. Some seasonal vendors will be out on Main Street, and the Amherst Toyota toy drive trucks will be in front of Jean Coutu from 5pm to 8pm on Friday night. Zwicker says social distance protocols will be followed and all toys collected will go to Sackville families.
Last but not least Zwicker gives a shout out to the Sackville Holiday Passport, a collaboration between Mainstreet Redevelopment and the Town of Sackville. Shoppers who collect stamps from 10 different local businesses can win prizes, including “BIA Bucks” and a $1000 local shopping spree.
The passport program has been wonderful, says Zwicker. “People are really excited about them,” she says. “I see people saying, darn, I forgot to get my stamps, after they’ve left, or they’ll go into the store and say, you have to stamp my passport. It’s been quite a great initiative.”
Moonlight Madness runs Friday and Saturday evening, and the Holiday Passport program runs until December 21, when completed passports should be returned to town hall.