The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce are relaunching the highly successful Shop Concord program to support the city’s small businesses by encouraging residents to shop locally this holiday season. The Shop Concord program will support and increase sales for local businesses while also providing a boost to the local economy.
“The pandemic has altered the way we shop and the time it takes goods to get from supplier to consumer,” said Mayor Tim McGallian. “Shopping locally will not only support our local economy but will also ensure local businesses continue to thrive in our region. We encourage everyone to utilize the Shop Concord program this holiday season and help us make it the most successful launch yet!”
Shop Concord will launch with a $10,000 contribution from the City of Concord to supply a bonus gift card with every purchase, while supplies last. Customers can purchase a $100 e-gift card through Shop Concord and receive a free $50 e-gift card in return, which can be used for purchases at any participating business. In addition, a $50 and $20 e-gift card option are also available, whereby consumers receive a $25 and $10 e-gift card, respectively, in return.
The e-gift cards can be purchased on the City of Concord’s Yiftee page until the allotted $10,000 is distributed. The City of Concord’s Yiftee page also includes a list of participating merchants. The value of the cards purchased can be redeemed at any participating Concord business. The digital nature of the gift cards allows customers to split the original and bonus portions to keep for themselves or gift to others via text or email. The Concord City Council allocated the funds for this program from the city’s general fund in an effort to encourage local spending, support small businesses and boost the local economy.
Businesses can continue to sign up for Shop Concord even after the initial launch, so customers are encouraged to check back frequently to see the expanding merchant list. There is still time for local business owners to sign up to participate in the Shop Concord program. Instructions for how to become a participating merchant are online at www.concordfirst.com/shop-concord.
Read the full press release here.