NORTHAMPTON — Bag Day, which marks the start of Northampton’s holiday shopping season, returns this year with its traditional name and one-day structure after a temporary change last November.
Amy Cahillane, executive director of the Downtown Northampton Association, said, “Last year we modified the event because of the heightened COVID concerns.”
Since capacity limits for indoor areas would have likely been overwhelmed by the volume of shoppers, she said last year’s decision to spread Bag Day over four days was aimed to “put a little less stress on stores.”
Since capacity limits have since been lifted and many people are now vaccinated, Cahillane said unsafe crowds shouldn’t be a concern as people participate in the tradition this year.
“I think it will be bustling but safe,” she said.
Another change from last year is a return to the name Bag Day after last November’s modified event took on the temporary name “Yule Days.” Cahillane said organizers changed back the name because, as she put it, “that’s what everybody knows and loves.”
Bag Day will take place this Saturday, Nov. 20, and Cahillane said at Thornes Marketplace most stores are offering some version of 20% off.” Since each participating store will have its own specific deals, she recommended that shoppers check in with their favorite stores for particulars on discounts.
Bag Day will last from open to close at all participating businesses, with some locations doing an additional Bag Day kickoff on Friday.
Speaking on behalf of Thornes Marketplace, Jody Doele said a total of 13 businesses within Thornes will participate in Bag Day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
An insert in today’s Daily Hampshire Gazette provides details on which stores throughout Northampton’s downtown are taking part in Bag Day.
Unlike past years, Cahillane said shoppers don’t need “any magic piece of paper or bag or anything” to get their discounts and all people have to do is simply show up. She said Bag Day is a great way to support local shops and to avoid the anticipated shipping delays this holiday season.
“It’s a beloved annual tradition” and “the kickoff to the holiday season,” she said.