Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30 and Dec. 7, 14, 21, 2006

>Terrific Thursdays Participant Application (MS Word)
>Terrific Thursdays Participant Application (PDF)
 
You are invited to participate in the Terrific Thursdays 2006 promotion to increase the turnout of shoppers and diners in Decatur during the holiday season. The annual event – now in its 6th year –  is open to all shops and restaurants in downtown Decatur and Oakhurst.
 
The Way TT Works
Participating shops and restaurants stay open until at least 9 p.m. on Thursdays in November (except Thanksgiving) and December and offer a variety of specials, open houses, discounts and refreshments to appeal to holiday shoppers. The extended hours allow more time for folks to shop after work and to come from other areas of metro Atlanta. 

Spreading the Word
To attract customers locally and beyond, Terrific Thursdays is widely advertised through a campaign funded by proceeds from the Great Decatur Beer Tasting Festival.
 
Advertisements are large and colorful, and include the names of the participating businesses. They are placed in publications like Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta NOW, Atlanta Jewish Times/Chai Magazine, AJC (print and online), Creative Loafing, Atlanta Intown, The Champion, Skirt Magazine, The Story, Sunday Paper, and others.
 
In addition:
- Press releases are sent to media outlets, with details of the promotions and lists of all the special open houses. 
- Information and updates are posted on the City of Decatur website. (Click to see the 2006 page).
- Participants receive special Terrific Thursdays signs for their windows.
 

Back This Year 
 
The Fur Bus – returns in December to take folks to the shopping locations, running from one end of Ponce de Leon Avenue to the other with stops at key locations such as West Ponce, East Court Square/Clairemont. The Oakhurst Business district will be included as a regular Fur Bus stop.
 
Santa in December – Santa returns to ride the Fur Buses every Thursday night in December.  He gets off the bus and comes into participating shops for a quick visit.  He hands out gift bags with coupons from shops and restaurants and candy.

Decatur Dollars – a shopping card folks can purchase and use in any Decatur shop or restaurant.  This offers a great "gift card" option for the holidays that should encourage spending in our stores after the holidays too.
 

How to Participate
To get the most out of Terrific Thursdays, plan to stay open until at least 9 p.m. on Thursdays in November (except Thanksgiving) and December. Offer a special every week. It can be a different special each week or the same one, based on your marketing strategy. Consider joining with neighboring shops to stage a special combined open house during one of the Thursdays. In addition to offering a discount each week, consider planning a special event that offers a unique enticement to customers. Invite an author or one of your artists or suppliers to be on hand to talk about an item you carry or offer refreshments each week to lend to the festive air.
 
Click on the application form link on this page, fill it out and send it immediately to the Decatur Downtown Development Authority. 
 
Why So Soon?
The first ads for Terrific Thursdays are already in production. The earlier you sign up, the earlier your business can be promoted. Don't be left out of the ads or the press releases – sign up today! To attract shoppers from the greater metropolitan area, we need to show them that we have a wide variety of retailers and restaurants that will make their trip worthwhile. Therefore, it's essential that we get as many of you to participate as possible. Put on your thinking caps, be creative, talk with your retail neighbors and help us market Decatur as Atlanta's real shopping Mallternative!

>Terrific Thursdays Participant Application (MS Word)
>Terrific Thursdays Participant Application (PDF)