First Ever ‘Tote Around Town’ Event Announced

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Tanya Hart, the brains (and body) behind Oomph Salon in downtown Portsmouth had a vision one night in late September. A vision that included stimulating the local Portsmouth economy and bring the community together.

“Holiday shopping can be stressful," she noted. "Getting the perfect gifts for all your family, friends, co-workers, in-laws, mailman, and lovers is exhausting! I wanted the local shops to band together for one kick ass shopping extravaganza; entertainment included of course!"

Soon after, Tote Around Town was born, and the committee began plotting their mission.

Late at night, in the basement of Oomph Salon, fueled by red wine and the strong scent of whiteboard markers, Portsmouth movers and shakers would meet to brainstorm, organize and collaborate.

“I was really impressed and taken back by how many businesses wanted to be involved so quickly," Hart said. "We worked really hard to make this event the best it could be and we are extra excited to share all that sweat, blood, and tears with the world."

Tote Around Town is a shopping experience and party. Held on the Saturday after Black Friday, this event is inspired by the Small Business Saturday movement. Over 20 businesses are participating, from boutique fitness studios, hair salons, flower shops, shoe stores and more.

Starting at 10am shoppers can head to one of the five pick up locations to grab their official Tote Around Town tote bag. The bag, designed by Rocket Fuel Only Screen Printing Co. are free (one per customer) and reusable.
After shoppers have scored their totes they can start shopping at the participating stores. Spend at least $20 at these shops and you’ll receive a custom button.

“Some of the shops are planning extra surprises for the event," she said. "Discover Portsmouth will have refreshments. Peach by Tracey will be offering free bra fittings, Areté Chiropractic will be offering Free Digital Posture assessments, Brie’s Boutique is serving a cheese and charcuterie board paired with wine. Several locations will have hot coffee and many others are offering special sales and deals."

After you pin all your buttons to the tote bag head to the official after Tote Around Town party at The Seacoast Repertory Theater (from 2 to 5 p.m.). With each button you’ll earn one raffle ticket. All of the participating shops have supplied prizes, each with a value of $25 or more. Collect all the pins and you could win something extra special.

The after party runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and will include a live art presentation by Brian Cartier, entertainment, free food, and adult beverages for sale.

“We really want to encourage everyone to come party with us, no matter if you have one button or 20! We’ll kick back, drink, dance, munch on free, delicious food from Mizuna and hopefully win something super special,” Hart said. “The goal of Tote Around Town is to energize the city and keep things local. We can all get bogged down with all the stresses of the holiday season and we hope that Tote Around Town brings the businesses and community together in one big, rocking, shopping experience.”

Event Details
Date: Nov. 26, 2016 Shopping Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
*some stores open at 9am please check the specific shop for exact open times.
After Party: 2pm-5pm @ Seacoast Repertory Theater
Tote bag pick up locations:

• Seacoast Rep
• Oomph Salon
• Off Piste
• Discover Portsmouth
• Wanderbird Floral

*one tote bag per customer.
List of participating businesses:

• Juliette Lovelys Boutique
• Oomph Salon
• Off Piste
• Pretty Little Things
• Areté Chiropractic (Poppin up at Barre & Soul Portsmouth)
• Barre & Soul Portsmouth
• Birchrose (popping up at Oomph)
• Brie's Boutique (popping up at Juliette Lovelys Boutique)
• Buff & File Nail Bar
• Flower Kiosk
• Wanderbird Floral
• Gus & Ruby Letterpress
• Inner Truth Massage (popping up at Oomph)
• Rust & Salt
• Janegee Store
• Moonshine
• Peach by Tracey (popping up at Barre & Soul Portsmouth)
• Portsmouth Escape Room (popping up at Rust & Salt)
• Pure Barre Portsmouth (popping up at Seacoast Rep)
• Summerwind Jewelers & Goldsmiths
• The Fresh Press
• Wear House
• Wild Child Jewelry and Leather (popping up at Wear House)
• Morgan Avery (popping up at Fresh Press)
• Discover Portsmouth

For more information search for ‘tote around town: holiday 2016’ on Facebook or click on the link below: facebook.com/events/1358528544178868/.

Submitted by Katie Shine.