For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Several Wisconsin Rapids businesses will participate in the spring edition of the Vintage Shop Hop, held March 6-7.

Over 500 locally-owned vintage shops, antique malls, women’s boutiques, occasional and pop-up shops, home décor, upscale consignment shops and vintage barn sales in two states are expected to participate in this semi-annual event.

The shop hop is a self-guided road trip for vintage and antique lovers in northern Illinois and Wisconsin.

“The idea was simply to give the shopper a reason to call their friends and spend the day shopping for vintage decor in their own backyard,” says event organizer Ann Campos. “I wanted to make it easy for them to travel from shop to shop while supporting small business at the same time.

“It began as a spring event but after six years the shoppers and shop owners requested a second shop hop later in the year, so last fall it became semi-annual. These small business owners sometimes need a shot in the arm to boost their sales in a traditionally slow retail season and give shoppers a reason to leave the house.”

There are five shops in Wisconsin Rapids that are participating, including: Prairie Sage Home, Sweet Tea Clothing Co., Off Yer Rocker, Country Freckles, and Rustic Redefined.

For more information, visit www.vintageshophop.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/VintageShopHopEvent.