It’s the festive time of the year and the Archdale-Trinity Merchants Alliance wants to encourage holiday shopping right here at home. About 13 businesses will host open houses 
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21.

As members of the Merchants Alliance, Patrick Farlow and Stan Reid, owners of Archdale Bakery, have helped to coordinate the open houses. The goal is to encourage hometown shopping.

Farlow and Reid are grateful for their customer base which has grown since they purchased the bakery last year.

During last year’s open house, between 500 to 600 people stopped by, and both owners are looking forward to this year’s open house to see smiles on the customers’ faces. “I have the best job in the world,” Farlow said. “When children come in, and they see the cupcakes, their eyes just light up.”

The open house will allow the bakery to showcase specialty items. Open house at the bakery will run from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

“We will have things out on platters for people to try,” he continued. “We will have holiday and gift baskets made up for people to purchase on site, or we can make up special orders.”

The businessmen and bakers have not forgotten about the community which has been generous to them.

“During our open house, we will be collecting nonperishable food items for Community Outreach of Archdale-Trinity,” Farlow added. “Please help us to help those in our community in need.”

The open houses signal the kickoff of the holiday season, said Beverly Nelson, president of Archdale-Trinity Chamber of Commerce. The Merchants Alliance is part of the Chamber’s effort to encourage retail business.

“It is an opportunity for customers to check out specialty holiday items, but it’s more than that,” said Nelson. “It’s an opportunity for merchants to showcase what they do.”

The 13 merchants who are participating in the open houses practice what they preach. They are “shopping locally” by purchasing ads in the Archdale-Trinity News and the High Point Enterprise. Many are running specials or supporting other community efforts.

Mommy & Me, a consignment store, will donate 10 percent of sales to Team Austin to help Austin Reddick, a 19-year-old youth sports coach who needs a bone marrow transplant.

Shopping locally makes fiscal “cents,” added Nelson.

“Those who shop locally are helping themselves and their neighbors,” said Nelson. “It supports the local economy. Ultimately, it keeps our property taxes low. It’s a win-win situation.”

Hours for the Open House vary. For locations and times, as well as special offers, visit www.archdaletrinitychamber.com. Click on ATMA Open House, or call the Chamber at 434-2073.