The city of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce have relaunched the popular Shop Concord e-gift card program to encourage residents to shop locally during the holiday season.
Shop Concord is relaunching thanks to a $10,000 contribution from the city of Concord to supply a bonus gift card with every purchase.
While supplies last, consumers can receive a free $50 Shop Concord bonus card with every original $100 gift card purchase, a free $25 Shop Concord card with every $50 gift card purchase, or a free $10 Shop Concord card with every $20 gift card purchase.
“This program will inspire a new wave of support for our local business community, and we are thrilled we can continue to support our business community in this way.” Kevin Cabral, Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
Gift cards can be used for purchases at any participating business. The bonus gift cards with purchase are available until the allotted $10,000 is distributed.
“It’s great we are able to relaunch the Shop Concord program,” Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister said in a statement. “Our previous holiday relaunches have helped build growth and momentum for the program and helps us achieve our objective of supporting the local economy.”
Reaping the benefits
The initial Shop Concord program launched in November 2020, with 978 e-gift cards purchased for $31,020. Local businesses saw the momentum and reaped the benefits. Now, with eight programs launched in the past three years to show continued support for the local economy, the total amount of gift cards distributed is more than $219,000.
“The Shop Concord program has been an overwhelming success since it was originally launched in November 2020 to support our local business community that experienced significant setbacks due to the pandemic,” said Kevin Cabral, president and CEO of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. “This holiday season, the chamber is excited to partner with the City of Concord on the launch of a new round of the Shop Concord program, and to build on the program’s success from previous years. This program will inspire a new wave of support for our local business community, and we are thrilled we can continue to support our business community in this way.”
The e-gift cards can be purchased from the chamber, which publishes a list of participating merchants. The cards purchased can be redeemed at any participating Concord business. The digital nature of the gift cards allow customers to split the original and bonus portions to keep for themselves or gift to others via text or email.
“Take advantage of the Shop Concord Program,” said Sifu Steffani Tomizaki, co-owner and manager for Tomizaki’s Champions Kung Fu. “It’s a great way to support local businesses. We have had folks have use it for classes, private lessons and merchandise.”
Concord business owners can sign up anytime for free to participate in the Shop Concord program. Instructions for how to become a participating merchant are online.