merchants – Salem Main Streets

Salem Stores Showcase Spirit of the Season

Salem Event, Salem Shopping, SMS News No Responses »

Dec 212015

Many things do we look forward to during the holiday season, and here at Salem Main Streets we are particularly fond of the Holiday Windows promotion we conduct with the cooperation of the merchants in the Downtown District.

Yes, the holidays are here, and Salem is dressed for the season with trees, wreaths, and ribbons. But to top it off, over 35 downtown businesses joined in by decorating their windows especially for the holidays. Judges nominated by Salem Main Streets recently made the rounds to vote on the best windows.

“We had some truly fantastic windows this year, and there was much friendly disagreement and fighting for favorites between the judges,” said Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets Executive Director. “Of particular note, we added a category this year for ‘Best Use of Product’ and were happily surprised to see that this became a very competitive category.”

Overall: Pamplemousse

Most Traditional: Re-Find Men’s
Honorable Mention – The House of the Seven Gables Gift Shop

Most Original: SCAM (Salem Collective of Artists and Musicians)
Honorable Mention – Fringe Salon

Best Use of Product: The Coven’s Cottage
Honorable Mention – LightShed Photography

X Factor Awards ( for windows that “defy categorization”) there was a tie : For Kids Only Afterschool (on left), Gulu Gulu Cafe (on right).

Kylie sums it up by saying, “All around, we wish we could have given at least twice as many awards!”

Come to Salem MA, where “window shopping” is an art form!

Snow Day Tuesday – Shop & Dine Downtown Salem

New Businesses, Salem Dining, Salem Event, SMS News No Responses »

Feb 092015

We are all in this together. Salem merchants and Salem residents/visitors/shoppers. Snow kept falling and blowing on Monday. Most of us were home-bound. Tuesday the MBTA will not be operating. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency so you should not drive unless it is vital. What to do? Stay home? No! Support our local Downtown Merchants who have been taking financial hit after hit with these snow storms.

There is a Facebook page urging just that: “The recent weather hurts our beloved local businesses. If you can walk downtown tomorrow (or drive depending on what happens with the parking situation) then spend some money to keep Salem in business! ”

Check out the site. Business are trickling in with whether they will be open or closed on Tuesday.

You can also post questions for your favorite eatery or regular store.

We think it is a great idea. The shopping community working together to support the businesses of Salem.

Call your favorite spot before heading out, as some may indeed be open but with abbreviated hours. Boot up. Bundle up. And we’ll see you out there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just gift shopping (Saturday is Valentine’s Day!).

(Erin Cyr event photo)

“Fantasy” to Become Reality as Theme for Halloween Parade

Haunted Happenings, Salem Event, Salem Festivals No Responses »

Sep 162014

Photo courtesy Social Palates

Preparations are underway for the 19th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. Step off is Thursday, Oct. 2nd for this gathering of young and old to launch our month-long celebration of Halloween, Salem’s “5th Season.” This year’s event will feature the theme “Fantasy.”

But the parade has expenses, and that is where the Chamber looks to merchants in the community to help defray the costs of extra police, ambulance, security, advertising, staging, etc.

This is accomplished through sponsorships of banners to be carried within the parade. For more info call 978-745-3855 or go to the Chamber of Commerce website. Deadline is this Friday, Sept. 19th.

As for the parade itself, you need be neither magician nor crystal ball gazer to foresee an endless choice of costumes based on many fantasy themed movies and books; expect to see a lot of characters from Frozen, Harry Potter, Narnia, Spiderman as well as Ghostbusters (30 year anniversary and re-release), Avatar and Hunger Games.

This time honored kick off of the Halloween season is full of color, pageantry, music and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college and our local business owners. Their participation is what makes this a highly successful, cherished event for our community, neighbors and visitors.

Look Through Any Window…

Contests 1 Response »

Dec 212012

…What do you see? Salem merchants getting into the spirit of the holidays. Nearly 40 members of the downtown shopping district participated in this year’s annual Salem MainStreets Holiday Window Contest. The same creative minds that designed their charming store themes have dressed up their storefronts with snow, sparkle, fun and a lot more.

Each year it becomes a greater challenge for our judging committee to choose the winners; there were so many great displays.We hope residents and visitors will take the time to enjoy and appreciate the hard work that went into creating these wonderful displays. This is also a great excuse to walk around Downtown Salem to check out all the new and existing restaurants and businesses.

Winners for 2012

Most Traditional: Roost
Most Whimsical: Scrub
Most Original: Rouge
Honorable Mention: Salem Toy Museum

The following businesses participated: Witch City Thrift & Consignment Shop, Harrison’s Comics, re-find men, re-find women, Griffen Theater, Penelope’s Pet Boutique, Scrub, Coon’s, Treasures Over Time, A Beautiful Corset at J’Adore Romantic Gift Shop, Tavern in the Square, and Roost.

Also: Seedstitch Fine Yarn, J. Mode, Boston Bead Company, Rouge Cosmetics, Two Girls Shop, Radiance Aveda, Mighty Aphrodite, Modern Millie, Angelica of the Angels, Trolley Depot, Addicted Fashions and Angels Landing.

Also: For Kids Only Afterschool, Bernard’s Jewelers, Witch’s Tees, Louise Michaud Photography, Living With Pets, The Picklepot, The Happy Sunflower, Crafters Market and Salemdipity.