Retailers in downtown Wallaceburg are offering Christmas sales before Boxing Day.
The Wallaceburg Business Improvement Area's annual Holiday Open House is tonight, and many businesses will have specials and in-store promotions.
"In some cases, it's the merchants biggest sales day of the year. A lot of them will cover the cost of the tax that night," says BIA Vice Chair Karen Moran. "I would say last year, there had to have been 1,000 people downtown."
There will also be horse and carriage rides, strolling carolers, and an appearance from Santa.
But with all of the retail businesses taking part, Moran expects shopping will still be the major draw.
She says for the first time in 15 years, even the real estate offices will take advantage of the increased foot traffic and stay open late, adding merchants often see a boost in sales after the Open House.
"It gets people into the doors, and many times they will come back to finish their Christmas shopping," says Moran. "It's been a very positive thing in my store [Glasses and Grapes Winemaking], I know that for sure."
Above all else, Moran says it gives residents a reason to see what local businesses are offering within their own communities.
"I know, in my own experience, I've had people come in because it's that particular night, and they say, 'I didn't realize you carried olive oils and balsamic vinegars,'" says Moran. "It's a great event for the merchants, as well as the residents."
James St. and Nelson St. will both be closed to motorists from 5pm until 8pm.