Smithville Downtown Businesses Extending Hours Each First Thursday

Downtown Smithville starting a monthly, “Shop Late Local,” event to accommodate those who work late.

Male Room Brotique is one of 16 local stores staying open until 7:00 p.m. every first Thursday. Owner Sommer Britt said she knew there was a need as someone who used to clock out after business hours.

“That’s a large reason why some people don’t get to shop local is because of the conflicting hours,” Britt said. “So, they were excited to give it a try. If it’s a hit and a lot of people participate, maybe we can expand it and do it more often.”

Britt said the downtown area has recently been growing in the number of businesses. Britt said a new coffee shop will be participating as well as a mixture of boutiques, and antique shops.

“We’ve added a few new shops downtown as well as outside the downtown square area,” Britt said. “Our mecca of downtown is the Button Willow General Store and Coffee Shop. That brings so much foot traffic to downtown. People are really just kind of excited to see the changes and improvements going on downtown.”

Britt said events like this are like helping your neighbor. Britt said shoppers are putting money back in the community and providing jobs for local people.

“You get to see where your money is going,” Britt said. “When you do shop local, you put more money directly back into your community. You provide jobs for the youth of your community.”