UofL, LIBA team up for local shopping tour

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville and Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) will take shoppers on a Dec. 5 whirlwind tour of local shops and restaurants on the fourth annual Holiday Cards Buy Local Shopping Tour.

Those on the tour will visit locally owned businesses in several Louisville neighborhoods. The $35 registration fee includes opening and closing receptions, door prizes and transportation to more than a dozen shops on East Market Street (NULU) and Lexington Road and in Butchertown and other locations.

“Our goal is to expose our faculty, staff and friends to many of the shops and restaurants that make Louisville such a special place,” said John Drees, an event organizer. “This event supports the local business community and helps our shoppers find unique items available only at these stores.”

Activities begin with festive drinks and a light breakfast at the University Club on Belknap Campus at 8 a.m. Participants board a bus at 9 a.m. to begin their day of shopping and return to the club for a 4 p.m.-6 p.m. reception featuring holiday decorating, mixology demonstrations and samples, hot hors d’oeuvres and door prizes. A more detailed itinerary will be posted closer to the event at events.louisville.edu/event/holiday_cards_buy_local_shopping_tour

The tour is open to the public, but bus seating is limited and UofL faculty, staff, students and alumni will receive priority. Participants must register online at uoflalumni.org/holidaycards14.

Shoppers who purchase from at least five stores will be entered into the LIBA “Shift Your Shopping Contest” which includes a drawing for a $1,000 “Buy Local” shopping spree.

LIBA seeks to preserve the unique character of Louisville Metro by promoting local businesses and educating citizens on the value of buying locally. For more information on LIBA and a member list, see www.keeplouisvilleweird.com.