Main Street Greenville was honored with the Outstanding Retail Promotion Award at the annual Mississippi Main Street Awards ceremony held June 17, 2025. The award, presented by MMSA Past President Chris Hinton to Jana Sides on behalf of Main Street Greenville, recognizes the Main Street program that has successfully executed an impactful retail promotion in collaboration with downtown merchants.
Main Street Greenville received the award for its innovative 2024 campaign “Merch Madness,” a dynamic retail initiative inspired by March Madness that energized downtown shopping during a traditionally slow period. For every $25 spent at participating Main Street member businesses, customers earned a chance to win a $25 gift card, purchased by Main Street Greenville to ensure no cost to the retailers.
Participating businesses included Hair Tenders, Emery Lee Boutique, Sassy Magnolias, 9.15 Floral Design & Gifts, High Cotton Design Co., and a subscription special with the Delta Democrat Times.
The promotion culminated in a lively community celebration at Hotel 27 during the Thirsty Thursday event series, featuring Larry the Taco Guy, live music by Mike Slaton, and sponsorship from Southern Bancorp. The evening not only celebrated local businesses, it also boosted visibility and foot traffic throughout downtown.
“We’re always looking for ways to support our downtown businesses in meaningful and measurable ways,” said Daniel Boggs, CEO of the Greater Greenville Development Foundation and Director of Main Street Greenville. “Supporting small businesses is one of the most impactful ways we can strengthen our local economy, and Merch Madness gave us a fresh and effective approach to doing just that.”
About Main Street Greenville:
Main Street Greenville is a subsidiary of the Greater Greenville Development Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1990 to improve the quality of life for Greenville residents through initiatives that promote economic vitality, thoughtful design, cultural programming, and the sustainable revitalization of the city’s Central Business District. Learn more at www.MainStreetGreenville.com.
Among other programs, Main Street Greenville produces the Delta Hot Tamale Festival, 4th of July Fireworks Display, Oakes Auto Group and Family Greenville Christmas Parade, Mom Bomb campaign, Greenville Farmers Market, Façade Grant program, Hotel 27, and is leading the downtown revitalization effort, having reactivated over 70,000 square feet of historic space in the past two years.
Memberships to Main Street Greenville are available to both individuals and businesses, including those located outside of the downtown area. Your membership helps support the events, programs, and revitalization initiatives that make Greenville a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. To learn more or join today, visit www.MainStreetGreenville.com.
About Mississippi Main Street Association:
The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) supports local Main Street programs across the state through training, technical assistance, and design services. MMSA is dedicated to economic development within the context of historic preservation and community revitalization. To learn more, visit www.msmainstreet.com.
