The first few months of the year are traditionally slower for many small businesses, and downtown shop owners say the early part of 2026 has followed that familiar pattern.
After the holiday shopping season ends, retailers often see a noticeable drop in foot traffic. At the same time, much-needed road construction in parts of downtown Guthrie temporarily altered traffic patterns while crews worked to improve the area for the long term.
For many small businesses, that means every sale is that much more important.
When the projects were completed, downtown merchants saw an opportunity to celebrate and give local businesses a boost during a typically slower time of year.
In response, several downtown merchants are trying something new — staying open later and inviting residents to shop after hours.
The effort, called “Open Roads, Open Doors,” encourages customers to visit participating businesses during extended evening hours. Organizers say the idea came from hearing the same concern from customers: many people want to support small businesses but are unable to make it downtown during the workday.
By keeping their doors open later, business owners hope to give those customers another opportunity to shop, browse and enjoy downtown in the evening.
Participating businesses include Rustic Tease Boutique, Mouthful Confections & Friends, Dalia Home & Boutique, Recollections Too: Gifts, Antiques and More, A Novel Idea Bookshop, Meow & Mocha Cat Cafe, Axes of Guthrie, Whimsy Pop, Trinkkits by Nikki, The Shoppes, Studio 113, Boutique 206 and Lokals.
Some businesses are also planning special activities during the event. The Pub will host a Chamber After Hours gathering from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by live music, while Lokals plans to host an 80s-themed glamour shots party. Axes of Guthrie plans to remain open until 10 p.m.
Organizers say additional businesses are still welcome to participate. Downtown business owners interested in joining the event can find more information on the Open Roads, Open Doors event page on Facebook.
Merchants hope the later hours will make it easier for residents to stop by after work and support local businesses during a time of year when many shops could use the boost.