By Don Lowe 

As springtime rapidly approaches, it’s once again time for downtown businesses in Webb City, Missouri, to roll out the red carpet for shoppers near and far for a two-day event filled with plenty of delightful deals. 

Known more specifically as the Webb City Shop Hop, this important event, scheduled March 15 and 16, gives merchants a perfect opportunity to welcome area residents and visitors into their stores while providing them with a sense of just how many retail options are available here. 

Local businesses are ecstatic to be a part of this Shop Hop, and Wig ‘N Out Manager Makayla Crane says, “It’s a great event with the changing seasons. It’s great for all the downtown boutiques to get together to host. 

“It allows people who haven’t necessarily heard that Webb City is growing and evolving to come and check us out.” 

Rebecca Courtney, who is co-owner of Twisted Oak, along with Jeanene Eberhart, says, “It’s a great opportunity to get our name out to new customers and bring in our regular customers as well. It gives us a chance to give back to customers with special deals and is a great way to spread the word about Webb City. 

“Webb City is a great community. We try to support each other because when one of us does well, we all do well.” 

Charles Spencer, co-owner of Spencers’ Sweet Call at the Minerva, with his wife, Malinda, explains, “The idea is to have a special day to help make sure people realize how many shops are downtown. We want people to see what all is available here. We want them to see the whole downtown. We work together to help get them to be aware what all is here and think of us as a shopping destination.” 

Erin B. Turner, city of Webb City community development director, relates, “Everyone is invited to come and take part in the sales. VIP pass holders, passes pre-purchased online, will receive a swag bag and may pick up special swag from participating retailers, as well as a VIP coupon book good only during the event. 

“Other than the sales and specials in the stores, the city’s street trolley will be operating throughout the downtown shopping district. There will also be food trucks.” 

Teamwork is at the heart of this special shopping experience and teamwork helps make it all go smoothly. Turner says, “This event is a collaborative effort. It takes participation from our Webb City Chamber of Commerce, dedicated and enthusiastic retailers and the city to make this event successful. 

“We are proud to play just a small role in the success of this event and are grateful to every business, big and small, who chooses to invest in our community. We understand business owners have choices when it comes to setting up shop here. We’re blessed to work together to help keep Webb City’s retail establishments thriving.”

Webb City Spring Shop Hop Fast Facts 

When: Friday, March 15, from 4:30-7 p.m. and Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Where: Downtown Webb City at participating retail locations. 

For More Information: Various social media pages, as well as Webb City Community Event Calendar, Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce and participating retailer digital/online sites.