For those who owe the IRS next week, well, we’re sorry. For the rest of you, we thought you might like some suggestions on how to spend your refund (or what’s left). Even if you do owe, we’ve welcomed at least 10 new businesses downtown recently, and they will provide just enough retail therapy to forget any hard feelings about the IRS. Don’t forget to read about all of the new places because Dempsey’s Restaurant wants to give one lucky downtowner some lunch.
10. A few weeks ago, we told you all about Hills Market Downtown at 95 North Grant. One of our other new downtowners, Civitas Now made a reusable forager shopping bag especially for Hills made from repurposed vinyl. We have an idea… buy a bag and hit some of these other great spots. And when you use the bag at Hills Market on Mondays, you get 20 percent off what you can stuff inside through the end of April!
9. La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection opened a second Columbus location near Main and Third (139 East Main Street). The space is breathtaking, which provides a perfect setting for a future bride to select the dress of her dreams.
8. On the Square Yoga will offer no-cost classes on April 16 to give everyone a chance to de-stress after the tax deadline comes and goes. Sign up early to secure a spot.
7. Need to get pumped up for beach weather? Try the new gym, Capital 24 Fitness. This 24-hour gym accommodates even the busiest of schedules.
6. Maki Go is a made-to-order sushi place at 8 on the Square. This is not your typical California or salmon roll; one of these bad boys will fill you up all afternoon. Yummo.
5. Right around the corner and with food from another continent, check out Grill & Grilled at 20 N. High Street, where a similar Chipotle-style concept provides a Mediterranean feast.
4. The Gay Street Moonlight Market begins this Saturday, April 13. Remember it’s the second Saturday of the month from now through September. All the cool kids will be there munching on great food and buying one-of-a-kind wares from a variety of vendors.
3. If you want to get gussied up before the night-time market, check out Concept Salon in the retail strip on Third Street, north of Main. Your mane is in good hands.
2. Have you seen the little pop-up t-shirt place inside Cafe Brioso? The shirts are crazy soft, and this entrepreneur will surely design your next favorite T.
In the spirit of staying organized for next year’s tax season, our number one place to spend a tax refund is Robert Mason and Company. It’s a pop-up inside Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties on Gay Street that has every cool (and colorful) office supply that you can ever imagine, and if Robert doesn’t have it, he can get it for you in just one day.
Now, this will get you started, and there are great places all over downtown popping up where they will gladly take a chunk of your refund. Find some more here. Let us know your fave. While you’re at it, tell us what kinds of businesses you’d like to see downtown, and you will be entered to win a gift card complements of Dempsey’s Restaurant.