If you need another reason to shop, Sidewalk District CEO and Founder, Janelle Jolley, has you covered with ATL Boutique Week, an initiative to reinvest in the Atlanta economy and allow one lucky entrepreneur the opportunity to open their own store.
Kicking off Monday, September 30th, ATL Boutique Week offers shoppers an exclusive 15% discount on non-sale merchandise from local retailers. These retailers include , K la, Meringue, Nest, Sole Shoes & Accessories, Taste, The Bilt-House, and Xclusively U.
Even if you’re not in the Atlanta area, you’re still invited! The discount is offered in-store and online with the opportunity to sign up here to receive coupons in your inbox from each of these Atlanta retailers.
This week, I meet with Janelle at The Bilt-House in Buckhead and was joined by Jan Bilthouse, former owner of The Bilt-House stores. Currently owned by Anton and Shannon Koutze, The Bilt-House was opened in 1982 by Jan Bilthouse who now serves as Head Buyer and Consultant for all four Georgia locations. Read on to learn about ATL Boutique Week, Janelle’s mission to improve local economies, The Bilt-House and how to grab your discount!
Tell me about Sidewalk District, an app to shop your favorite local stores, and your idea for ATL Boutique Week.
Janelle: When I moved to Georgia in August 2009, I didn’t know where to shop. There was obviously the mall, but I didn’t know the local stores. Sidewalk District is a city-by-city shopping guide.
When I buy locally, I’m investing in myself and my community. Many chains stores receive public subsidies or pay no property taxes, but they don’t have the same economic impact. Local stores have a higher economic impact per square feet than chain retailers and they are more likely to reinvest into local charities and their community.
Sidewalk District is currently in beta testing. How is the progress and what are your plans for the application?
Janelle: We had our first store with Sidewalk District on Mother’s Day. We sold $800 of merchandise in store and $200 online. We are getting ready for the Fall buying season and working with 10 local retailers. Also, we are working with an Atlanta startup on a same-day courier start up.
Amazon and all the major ecommerce retailers are working on a same-day courier system. Women want to be able to go online, purchase a dress for an engagement party later that night, and have it delivered to their house by 7PM.
How did you begin partnering with The Bilt-House? How would you describe The Bilt-House?
Janelle: I reached out to Lindsey Wellton, the district manager, and The Bilt-House was very receptive in working with the local community.
Jan, The Bilt-House: The Bilt-House opened in the 1980s and originally, we were in malls. We were in Lenox Square Mall, but in 1991, we became free-standing stores.
The Bilt-House is a lifestyle brand. We sell apparel, furniture, and art. Everything in our store is for sale.
During ATL Boutique Week, aspiring designers and entrepreneurs can submit their ideas for a new retail store. From the entrance and sponsorship fees, one individual will receive a check to launch his or her own store. How do you enter the “Set Up Show Contest”? When will the winner be announced?
Janelle: You can enter the contest on our website ATLBoutiqueWeek.com. Portions of the retailer entrance fees and the sponsorship fees will allow one participant to fund their own brick-and-mortar store.
The winner will be announced at our retail showcase party and trunk show on Saturday.
