Last week, Springfield Avenue in Maplewood saw three grand openings. Walgreens, Edo's Quality Cakes and Blue Life Karate all held ribbon-cutting ceremonies just in time for the holiday shopping season. Other recent newcomers include ID Bakery and Dancers Pointe.

The new additions should all add help to make Springfield Avenue that much more attractive to local shoppers, says a local business leader.

Diana Vitrano, District Manager of the Springfield Avenue Partnership, says that value-oriented shoppers should look beyond the "tempting sales hype" associated with Black Friday at the malls and national retailers and instead focus on the value for consumers who shop and dine locally. She cited factors like saving time, money, gasoline and aggravation compared to traffic tie-ups, parking hassles at the mall, and temporary, inexperienced sales help.

“Many of the businesses in the Springfield Avenue district in Maplewood are family owned and operated and provide expert knowledge and advice and warm, friendly customer service. “Local businesses have a stake in Maplewood,” Vitrano continued. “They hire our children, friends and neighbors. They contribute to our community and support programs and services that benefit the people of Maplewood. The bottom line is shopping and dining locally, on Black Friday or any other day of the year makes sense; it’s the right thing to do.”

It may be the right thing to do, but it's also the smart thing to do. Right now, in addition to great convenience and choice, the Springfield Avenue Partnership is offering free money: Shoppers who enter online by November 30 can win their share of $1,000 in Springfield Avenue District Dollars. (Visit www.SpringfieldAvenue.com to sign up.)

On December 1, the Partnership will draw 40 winners to receive $25 each in Springfield Avenue District Dollars gift certificates good at participating Springfield Avenue District businesses and restaurants.

District Dollars must be used by Jan 31, 2012. There’s no purchase necessary and you must be 18 years or older to enter.