UPDATED: Birmingham's 'First Thursday' Shopping Event Launches Today

Want an early start to your weekend shopping plans?

Birmingham merchants hope so as the city's Principal Shopping District launches a new 'First Thursday' program today to incentivize retailers to stay open a bit later than usual. From 6-9 p.m. tonight, patrons of some of Birmingham's most popular stores can take advantage of deals, prize giveaways and more while listening to live music and entertainment.

The event will repeat on the first Thursday of each month through September with a different theme. Tonight's theme is “Spring Fling”, with live entertainment by Sinjon Smith on East Maple. Shoppers should visit the information booth located on West Maple for a list of participating stores, map and a chance to win tickets to ‘Catch Me if You Can’ at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit.

John Heiney, executive director of the Principal Shopping District (PSD), said the initiative is in response to last year's market study, which reflected customer demand for consistent and later store hours.

“For many years, Thursday evenings were very popular with the local shoppers,” he said. “We want to encourage people to head back out for a night of shopping, fun and entertainment.”

Julie Gripps of Bec and Sam's said she's thrilled to extend hours and participate. The store will offer 30-50 percent off of all in-stock bedding, and a representative from Bella Notte Linens will be available to help create bedroom designs.

"As a retailer, we cannot offer enough events for customers," she said. "Not every event will be applicable to every customer or retailer, so the more we do, the more likely we are to attract people."

Also starting tonight is a new effort by the PSD in conjunction with a group of home décor stores called Fashion Your Home Spring/Summer 2013. Through May 4, these specialized businesses will offer shoppers specific help to decorate their home for the spring and summer. Stores including the ArtLoft, bec & sam's, Birmingham Design Studio, Fifi & Coco's Galerie, La Belle Provence, Scandia Home and Sherwin-Williams will participate.

“We’re excited to bring three days of ,” said Heiney. “From big plans to fine details, the key to living stylishly is right here in downtown Birmingham,” said Heiney, adding that it's exciting to see merchants ready to provide home décor and design inspiration, merchandise previews and in-store design consultations.

For more information about these events is available at www.enjoybirmingham.com.