Several stores within Polk County are participating this Friday in an effort to help slow down the hustle and bustle of the kickoff to the holiday shopping season called Plaid Friday.

The Perch on Marble owner Stacey Lovvorn has gotten other businesses to take part in the holiday shopping promotion, which was started in Oakland, California as a way to promote locally owned businesses and get people to slow down some during the weeks heading into Christmas, rather than getting involved in the mad rush of Black Friday deals at big box stores.

Participating stores in Polk County includeThe Brave Sparrow, The Clay Birch, Jasper and Jade, Merle Norman Cosmetics and Boutique Rockmart, Now and Then Rockmart, Rockin Rooster and Happy Hen, Smith and Lockwood Pharmacy, What’s New Consignment and South Marble Coffee.

The goal of the event nationally is to weave together small businesses to work in conjunction in competition with the bigger chains like Walmart, Target, Best Buy and others who draw big crowds on the day after Thanksgiving.

It precedes Small Business Saturday coming up this weekend as well, extending the organized marketing into a two-day, local shopping promotion.

Keep in mind each business might have their own policies on shopping during COVID-19, but make sure to check out businesses like The Perch on Marble this holiday season online for the same products and offers.