Tinsel Story

Lola MagazineCommunity

It was a cool December night. A group of close friends and moms from my children’s school were looking forward to a fun evening out on the town. Chauffeured Christmas shopping along Line Avenue in Shreveport, bargains, trolleys, hors d’oeuvres and festive cocktails at each stop… it was the ultimate girl’s night out and just what we needed to prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It was our first year to take part in Tinsel and it certainly wouldn’t be our last.

As I pulled up to the starting point to meet my group, I was greeted at the Tinsel check-in table by a group of friendly ladies who signed us in and provided us with the official Tinsel wristband and a list of participating businesses and the discounts they were offering. This helped us to stay focused on our shopping adventure. There were more than 30 retailers taking part in Tinsel; we had our work cut out for us. After snapping a few pictures in the fun Tinsel booth, we were on our way and anxious to see what treasures we could find at the various stops.

Our first stop was a women’s clothing store… Maybe it was the champagne, maybe it was the Tinsel discount they were offering, but we walked in to a store full of Christmas cheer. After purchasing a few items and taking advantage of all they had to offer, we jumped on a waiting shuttle and headed to our next stop.

There we were greeted by live music, special drinks and eats. The atmosphere was spirited. Many of us grabbed Christmas gifts for our husbands, then it was off to the next store where we stocked up on cute clothes for our little ones. For me, few things are as rewarding as finding a good sale. And that’s exactly what we were doing and it was just the beginning.

The retailers all had big smiles on their faces and were spreading holiday cheer as we entered the stores, greeting us with a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” For them this event was the kick-off to their holiday shopping season.

The night went on and we made our way along Line Avenue… laughing, telling stories and showing off our discounted items while being chauffeured from one stop to the next. We ran into friends and familiar faces at the different stops. It was a fun, different type of girls’ night. To make things even better we were having fun and marking items off our Christmas list at the same time! It was a win-win!

With stops at toy stores, children’s and men’s clothing stores, home interiors stores, several of my favorite boutiques, a hardware store, and jewelry stores, I was able to check everyone off my Christmas list and felt so accomplished! I had gifts for my children, my husband, friends and family and oh yea, a few things to put under the tree for myself!!

Before I knew it the night was winding down… at my last stop they we’re offering their first 40 customers free Kendra Scott earrings with a purchase and 30% off all Kendra Scott jewelry, this was the grand finale for me! I stocked up on gifts for friends and family. To make things better I had done it locally.

Being from this area and having friends who own local businesses I always try to shop local, it gives me a sense of pride to be able to keep my cash in the area where I live. That’s the goal of Tinsel to give shoppers a fun way to keep their hard earned dollars right here in our community. Helping these local businesses thrive.

We ended the night by taking part in the Tinsel after party at Superior’s Steakhouse where Tinsel participants received complimentary wine and food. We hung out, telling fun holiday stories and laughing. Then it was time to return home and put our purchases under the Christmas tree!

We’re already looking forward to this year’s Tinsel on Friday, December 1, and hope you will experience the fun, festive atmosphere with us.