MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—When the Boutique Hub announced the return of Pink Friday, the nationwide shopping event dedicated to celebrating and supporting small, local businesses, Beth Fox, owner of Foxglove Hollow Home Décor, signed on.

The nationwide focus is taking place Friday, November 21, and serves as a powerful reminder to shop small before the big-box frenzy of Black Friday.

Fox is excited to spearhead the Downtown Marion merchants’ participation, while offering a boost to the national effort.

“We want to give our community extra time to participate so we are extending our event to include Saturday, November 22, and we’re calling it Pink Weekend. Other participating Downtown Marion businesses include Spruce & Sparrow, Elena Renee, Maddie’s on Main, and LuLu’s Toy Co.”

Working together to draw shoppers to their small businesses, participating Marion merchants will have extended hours that Friday and Saturday, welcoming shoppers from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  There will be giveaways and gifts with purchases.  Customers can expect tastings, samples, and beverages to enjoy while tackling their holiday shopping.

This year’s nationwide Pink efforts are aiming for a record 10,000 participants, growing from 2024’s 5,000 participants.  Marion small businesses are on board to help make that happen.

A Celebration of the Businesses That Keep Main Streets Alive

For many small businesses, Pink Friday has become their largest sales day of the year — a day to celebrate the entrepreneurs who serve as the backbone of their communities and this country. These businesses employ local residents, give back to community events, and help keep local economies alive and thriving.

Fox  shared, “While I am happy to participate in a fun event that celebrates our small business, I am also happy to say that I can give back just by participating. This year, The Boutique Hub is proud to partner with Heart on Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering independent retailers through grants, education, and disaster relief. For every small business that signs up for Pink Friday, The Boutique Hub will donate $1 to Heart on Main Street. Seeing how much it takes to run a business and how it could be impacted by natural disaster makes me grateful just to know that Heart on Main Street exists and is helping other businesses just like mine get back on their feet. I hope to get as many other small businesses as possible to sign up and join us this year.”

Unlike Black Friday, Pink Friday isn’t about steep discounts or racing to the bottom — it’s about creating an unforgettable shopping experience, building customer relationships, and inspiring a sense of pride in supporting small.

“Small businesses are more than just stores — they’re gathering places, job creators, and the heartbeat of our communities,” said Ashley Alderson, Founder and CEO at The Boutique Hub. “Pink Friday gives shoppers the chance to say, ‘We see you, and we support you,’ before the holiday rush begins.”

How Other Marion Retailers Can Join the Movement

 Participating in Pink Friday is simple:

  • Sign up at go.theboutiquehub.com/pink friday
  • Gain instant access to marketing tools, event planning guides, and wholesale deals.
  • Be featured on the #SupportSmallFirst map, connecting you with shoppers near and far.

 For more details and to register, visit the Pink Friday join page.

About The Boutique Hub

The Boutique Hub is the world’s largest community of boutique owners, wholesale brands, and service providers dedicated to helping independent businesses grow. Through education, resources, and community connection, The Boutique Hub empowers retailers to succeed in an ever-changing retail landscape. Learn more at theboutiquehub.com.