While Black Friday is next week, there’s another shopping holiday that’s gotten progressively popular in Pike County.

Many area merchants participate in Christmas open houses where customers are invited to take advantage of special deals earned by shopping locally.

“We encourage people to shop locally,” said Pike County Chamber of Commerce President Kathleen Sauer. “It’s good for our local businesses, and it’s good for consumers because they can find unique and special items for people on their Christmas list.”

Area stores will host a variety of open houses on different days and at different times this season, but Troy’s downtown merchants have a special weekend planned Nov. 23 and 24.

Businesses in downtown Troy and along Brundidge Street will have deals ranging from 25 percent off storewide to flash sales and other opportunities, according to Leigh Anne Windham with the Chamber.

On Saturday, sales kick off as early as 8 a.m. on the square and last until 5 p.m.

On Sunday afternoon, shops open at 1 and many of those businesses will also have refreshments waiting on shoppers to help them keep their energy up.

“You can look around, get great deals, dine out and make a day of it,” Sauer said. “It’s a great way to kick off the holiday shopping season while supporting local business owners.”