Gift Local Card Program Launched to Support Shopping Local
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association are pleased to announce the launch of the Gift Local Gift Card program. This economic development initiative was established to focus on engaging local businesses in the growing gift card market and encouraging residents to shop locally. Similar programs launched by other chambers of commerce and merchants groups throughout the country have been successful in bringing in significant new dollars and generating increased sales at participating merchants.
Gift Local cards are available for sale to the public in any amount and are used like cash exclusively at participating businesses in North Central Massachusetts. The card is the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays, or for birthdays, employee recognition programs, teacher appreciation gifts, graduations, or just to say thank you. Gift card recipients can redeem their cards at nearly 40 local establishments, including many of the finest restaurants, retail stores, salons, service providers, and more in North Central Massachusetts. The cards may be reloaded for convenience and used throughout the year.
“This is a great resource for small businesses throughout North Central, we’re thrilled to be part of a program that can help grow our business and support the local economy,” said Rick Walton, owner of the Gardner Ale House.
“Signing up to participate in the Gift Local Gift Card program was a no-brainer for us,” said Steven Duvarney, owner of Duvarney & Company Jewelers in Clinton and Fitchburg “We’re excited to participate and think it’s a great opportunity to engage new customers as well as support the local economy.”
Participating merchants will be featured in the Gift Local’s marketing program and on the website www.giftlocalmass.com. Gift cards are also the gift of choice among many employers looking for gifts for their employees and clients. The Chamber will also be introducing a bulk Gift Local Gift Card purchasing program that helps local businesses better reward and incentivize their employees.
The typical profile for a Gift Local Card buyer would be someone who is looking to support local businesses, but may not know the recipient’s taste in food, fashion or merchandise and wants to give the recipient the gift of choice among various options throughout the community. Gift cards overall have also been growing in popularity as gifts with over $138 billion spent annually on them in the United States. Research shows that 93% of U.S. Shoppers receive or buy a gift card every year and gift card users tend to spend 25% more at locations when using a gift card in comparison with shopping with cash or a regular credit/debit card.
“Currently there is nothing like the Gift Local Gift Card in North Central Massachusetts. It’s an exciting opportunity for local businesses to grow their customer base as well as broaden their appeal,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This program is a perfect way to support small businesses while still giving people the flexibility to shop around as they please.”
Gift Local Cards can be purchased at the Chamber office located at 860 South Street in Fitchburg), Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center located on Route 2 West in Lancaster, Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and online at www.giftlocalmass.com.
For more information or to enroll in this exciting new program, please contact Lauren Goulet at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or at .
