Plaid Friday supports local, independent business

Maplewood business owner Brian Pelletier wants to replace Black Friday with Plaid Friday. “Plaid is the new black,” he says.

Plaid refers to the fabric of small, independent businesses that support a community—better than big box stores do, Pelletier said. “Enjoy a leisurely day, instead of fighting all the crowds on Black Friday,” he said.

“They call it Black Friday because it’s miserable,” he said. “You have to get up early in the morning. You have to fight the crowds, find a place to park, risk getting trampled or tear gassed.”

He said at a small business customers can meet the owner, rather than a clerk, and talk to someone who maybe had a hand in making the product.

Pelletier is owner of Kakao Chocolates and Larder & Cupboard, both in Maplewood. He’s also on the founding board of Go Local STL (GoLocalSTL.org).

“We’re dedicated to educating the public on the value of shopping local and how that effects the community, and how in supporting community businesses you’re keeping more of your money here,” he said.

Kakao, Larder and Cupboard, Schlafly, Airedale Antics and J&E Office Supply are Maplewood businesses that belong to Go Local STL. More than 80 companies belong St. Louis-wide.

Pelletier said he’s wearing plaid everyday until Christmas.

“It’s not just about one day; it’s about always thinking about the local options first,” he said. “We’re encouraging as many people as possible to wear plaid in support of small businesses.”

Here’s a list of businesses who are plaid to participate:

• Pie Oh My
• One World Ice Cream
• Consultra Business Coaching
• Traveling Tea
• The Book House
• Gisele’s
• Scheidt True Value
• EFS Energy
• Hellmuth & Bicknese
• Architectural Design Guild
• Brentwood Wireless