'Get back to shopping local:' Third Ward Fall Crawl works to bring business to area shops

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – An inaugural event promoting businesses in Milwaukee’s Third Ward neighborhood is now underway.

The goal of the Third Ward Fall Crawl is to help support the businesses and get people to shop local.

“The idea actually came from a bar crawl,” Support Local MKE founder Marleigh Petras said. “We have in-person experiences and free virtual events. Obviously those tailor to the people and their comfort levels. We want everyone to stay 100 percent safe, we want six feet apart, masks and all that jazz.

Certain businesses are offering discounts or holding virtual events.

“We can’t just go to a typical event, if this was a typical event it would be so much easier,” she said. “[This is] just a new creative way and a new outlet to help these businesses think outside the box while they’re struggling and trying to focus on surviving and keeping their businesses open.”

At Performance Running Outfitters, business was slow when the pandemic started, but since then it’s picked up.

“With all of the gyms and classes being closed or canceled, a lot of people have kind of opened up to running and walking outside,” Store manager Kristi Kontny said. “So it’s been really good for our business.”

The store pivoted and is now offering virtual fittings and curbside pickup.

“You’re still getting the experience like you had beforehand,” she said.

Performance Running Outfitters is participating in the Fall Crawl by offering $15 off a purchase of $50 or more.

“We just want people to kind of get back to shopping local,” Kontny said. “It helps us out and helps everybody else in the community.”

Petras said they hope to hold more events like the Third Ward Fall Crawl around the city.

More information can be found on the event website.