Tarentum Business Crawl aims to spur foot traffic, support local economy

The owner of a Tarentum beauty supply store knows exposure is the key to small-business success.

Misty Woody, owner of Good Hair Boutique, is looking to the upcoming Tarentum Business Crawl to spur foot traffic and highlight some of the best the borough has to offer.

“We have 11 locally owned brands that stock items in the store,” said Woody, of Harrison.

“We know every customer that supports one of those brands is contributing to the local economy and a local household.”

Sponsored by the Tarentum Recreation Board, the business crawl features 15 storefronts that include a variety of offerings like plus-size fashions, tie-dye T-shirts and a podcast studio.

“We have some very unique places that people are not aware of,” said Carrie Fox, recreation board president.

“We wanted to come up with a way to feature local businesses and show off what we have.”

The free event is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, and no purchase is necessary.

Members of the recreation board will man a table at the corner of Corbet Street and Fifth Avenue, where participants can pick up a card before driving or strolling through the business districts.

People can follow a scavenger hunt of sorts, filling the card with stickers from each stop.

There are three chances to win prizes, including a drawing among those who collect stamps from all of the participating businesses and another for people who show proof of purchase on that date.

The businesses will provide coupons, drawings or samples.

Game cards must be returned to the board members by 8 p.m. to be eligible for the drawing.

“The business crawl gives us an opportunity to show our neighbors that locally made goods, whether it’s jewelry, hair oils or dog treats, are available, affordable and high quality,” Woody said.

It’s also a chance to remind people of the Seventh Avenue corridor in West Tarentum, where her boutique is situated, she said.

“We can’t wait to meet more of our neighbors at the business crawl,” Woody said.

“West Seventh Avenue is part of the business district revitalization, and we look forward to more people finding out about our little store and exploring us and the other participating businesses.”