Shopping local hits home in Vernon.

A day after the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce announced having received nearly 150 nominations for its annual Business Excellence Awards comes word of eight small Vernon businesses banding together to host one big sale.

The eight local stores present the Big Retail Leftovers Sale on Thursday, Oct. 12, 4-7 p.m., in the parking lot at Sun Country Cycle in Coldstream, 16500 Kalamalka Rd.

It was almost a year ago that a small group of Vernon business owners joined forces to form the Vernon Shops Local cohort.

鈥淭he purpose was to work together to cross-promote each others鈥� businesses to both locals and tourists,鈥� said Allison Ludditt, with The Room Collection, one of the eight businesses taking part.

鈥淚n a challenging economy, Vernon entrepreneurs are getting creative about using community to support business.鈥�

The one-night-only event promises top quality goods at clearance prices 鈥� 50 per cent off or more 鈥� from some of Vernon鈥檚 finest retailers.

From fashion to outdoor gear, home decor to gourmet delights, there鈥檚 something for everyone at this sale.

Participating stores at the Big Retail Leftovers Sale include:

鈥� The Room Collection;

鈥� Antlr Menswear;

鈥� Kaleco Clothing;

鈥� Olive Us Oils and Vinegars;

鈥� Olympia Ski and Cycle;

鈥� Kalavida Surf Shop;

鈥� Cento Wear; and

鈥� Sun Country Cycle.

Food will also be available on-site from Sweet Hoopla, Mi Taqueria Taco Truck and Shabbang Food Truck. The event will also include free product samples, and exciting giveaways throughout the evening.

鈥淒on鈥檛 miss joining your fellow shoppers for a night of fun, community spirit, and unbeatable savings from your favourite local independently owned businesses,鈥� said Ludditt.

For more information and updates, follow these participating stores on social media and @vernonshopslocal on Instagram.