This SLO County city will pay you to shop local this holiday season. Here’s how
The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce is encouraging shoppers to spend at local businesses with the Shop Local Bonus Program this holiday season.
Beginning Nov. 18, shoppers who spend $100 at a qualifying business can receive a $20 gift card to the local business of their choice, according to a Chamber of Commerce news release.
Retail, restaurants and personal service businesses are included in the bonus program, though grocery stores, hardware stores, fast food stops, big box stores and gas stations are not, the release said.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, a study by the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies showed that $68 of every $100 spent at a local business stays within the community, whereas only $43 of $100 spent at a non-local business will be reinvested locally.
“Shopping locally is one of the best gifts you can give to your community,” Atascadero Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Josh Cross said in the release. “Your purchases at local establishments support local families running the businesses and the employees working at them. Families will use that money to frequent other Atascadero shops and restaurants that, in turn, support their own families.
“It creates a beautiful cycle of giving during the holiday season,” he added.
Shoppers are encouraged to share their receipts promptly because the Shop Local Bonus Program sells out each year, according to a program description on the chamber’s website.
How to receive the Atascadero shop local bonus
To receive a $20 gift card, residents must show a readable and itemized receipt printed with the date, name of the business and total amount.
The purchase must have been made between Nov. 18 and Dec. 31, and must add up to at least $100 before taxes, delivery fees and shipping.
Two gift cards are redeemable per household, the release said. Shoppers can select which local business they want their gift card for, while supplies last.
To redeem a gift card, email a copy of the receipt with requested information to info@atascaderochamber.org.
A full list of the participating chamber member businesses is available at atascaderochamber.org.
