By Danielle Rines
NEWBURYPORT — This could be the holiday shopping guy's dream.
You've probably met him. He's the man who leaves his shopping to the last minute and doesn't know what to get his girlfriend or wife.
Some 35 shops in the downtown and Tannery Mall will be hosting a Men's Shopping Night on Friday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown merchants see it as a way to help out those lost and desperate male shoppers often seen wandering the downtown streets in the days — or sometimes, last few hours — before Christmas.
They're also hoping it will inspire locals to explore downtown shops.
The concept is simple: Women visit the shops before Dec. 18 and fill out lists of what they want. Then it's the guy's turn on Dec. 18 — they shop for items on the list and get treated to food, drinks and even cigars provided by local merchants.
The idea for the event was started by Partridge in a Bear Tree shop owner Kevin Riley, who was inspired by Ruby Slipper shop owners Diann May and Jackie Guilmette. For the past five years, the two have been hosting their own men's shopping night.
"We just found there was a need for men to get helped out with purchasing items, and we just decided, OK, let's make a night of it," Guilmette said. "We've gained a large following of gentlemen over the years. The first time was about 10, and last year it was close to a good 50."
Due to the success of the store's own men's night out, the trend has now far surpassed the Ruby Slipper, with 35 stores between the Tannery and downtown area participating in the event this year.
In the past, the Ruby Slipper has handed out wish lists for women to fill out, and the men came back fulfilling the requests and gaining helpful tips.
"I think it's fabulous, since people, especially men, are not sure what to do or get, and of course, they want to keep their wives happy, and this way they do go out of here happy. It's off their minds, and they can just enjoy the holiday season," Guilmette said.
Now on the annual Invitation Nights, this year on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, there will be wish lists available at all the participating stores for women, children and families to fill out.
"It'll say what store you were in, items you like, your backups if the item you want is sold out, comments and a list of all the stores participating," Riley said.
Brass Lyon owner Diane Gronbeck designed the wish list that will be available in shops late this afternoon and worked with Riley to make the event a success.
"We just sort of bounced ideas off each other, and we thought it would help spur more local shopping," she said.
Gronbeck said she thinks that the women's clothing stores and jewelry stores will benefit the most, as that is usually an area where men may need more help from those who work in the shops. Now they can do it already knowing what they are getting.
Not only will the men be able to feed off of the wish lists, but they will also be feeding off some snacks as well. Stores will be serving "man food" — a term used by Guilmette — and "guy-friendly food," as Gronbeck puts it. Both Gronbeck and Riley mentioned nachos and beer nuts as their foods of choice.
"We'll serve beer and chicken wings and usually hand them a cigar on their way out," Guilmette said.
To make things even better for the men this season, there will also be gift wrapping and packaging available at most stores so that presents are ready to go.
"How much easier can it be? It's really a win-win situation; it's just one-stop local and easy shopping," Riley said.
So if you're a guy and you've had some bad luck with holiday shopping in the past or are stumped on what to buy this year, sounds like the night of Dec. 18 may be your holiday wish come true.
"I think now that it's out there, there will be a lot of men who come out that Friday night; it's the beginning of a nice tradition," Guilmette said.
IF YOU GO
What: Men's Shopping Night
What to do: Women pick out their desired gifts and fill out a form before Dec. 19
When: Dec. 18, 5 to 9 p.m., men pick up the items
Where: Tannery and downtown Newburyport shops
