SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — What is usually a festive family tradition is now helping boost holiday business in downtown Sioux Falls.
The streets of downtown Sioux Falls are decked in holiday garb, and inside stores you’ll also find a special holiday guest spreading cheer. Its name is Metli.
“Named after Steve Metli, who was a city planner a long time ago. So we decided to put Metli as his name instead of Elf on the shelf,” MK Threads Boutique owner, Kelly Grovijahn said.
Metli has been making appearances in different businesses this holiday season.
“This Find Metli is really just a scavenger hunt throughout the retail shops in downtown Sioux Falls,” DTSF Vice President, Brandon Hanson said.
“The concept is another fun way to get people into our stores. You know, everyone loves Elf as a whole for the shelf as a child, so it’s kind of like the adult version of it. Like, come on into the store, find them and then get something as a reward discount or cookies or there’s always something to reward them,” Grovijahn said.
Stores have also been getting into the spirit, posing Metli in various ways.
“She has put him in the shade of a slipper. She has put him sitting on top of her purse. She’s put him on a shelf just little ways that he’s kind of disguised, but get out there enough because we want them to find out so they can get that reward in our store,” Grovijahn said.
Giving people a festive way to shop local this holiday season.
“We’re pushing shop small and shop local because we want to keep those sales tax dollars here. And when you’re spending downtown, the return for Sioux Falls and for South Dakota is significantly higher than anywhere else,” Hanson said.
“Yes, they’re shopping, but they’re also able to play a fun little game that’s going to give them something back. And I think, too, it’s it personalizes their shopping experience,” Grovijahn said.
