SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Savannah’s tourism may slow down in August, but one new event is picking up the pace for local businesses. The Savannah Downtown Business Association is launching its very first Retailfest, a fresh twist on a traditional luncheon. It’s about giving small businesses a spotlight when they need it most.

According to published sources such as the National Business Association, small businesses make up 99% of all businesses in the United States. Here in Savannah, many of them are facing their slowest sales during the heat of August, but the community is stepping up to change that. The first-ever Retailfest is flipping the script in a fresh new way.

The event kicks off with a boutique-style pop-up market featuring eight local retailers and is followed by a live runway show that puts Savannah-made style front and center. A huge goal of Retailfest is about fueling foot traffic during one of the slowest months of the year for downtown shops.

Attendees will also hear from local business leaders during a panel on the “State of Retail” while enjoying lunch. Though tickets sold out quickly, organizers say Retailfest is here to stay and they intend for it to grow in the years ahead.

“We know, particularly in August, Savannah kind of slows down because it’s a zillion degrees. All these local businesses really need our local support. How great to be able to know the business owners (today). Once you have those relationships, we hope you’ll continue frequenting those businesses and spending all your money supporting our local businesses in August and throughout,” explained Julie Wade, the Board Chair for the Savannah Downtown Business Association.

Retailfest takes over the Charles Morris Center later this morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you missed today’s event, you’re in luck! A similar restaurant-focused event is already planned for September. For more information, you can contact the Savannah Downtown Business Association.

Even if you didn’t grab a ticket this time, you can still support by shopping downtown. Business leaders tell the slowest months for business are January and August, and hope to see business pick up once the heat dies down.