“Supporting local jobs and families”: Economic development nonprofits offer prizes for shopping small

Source: Tribune Democrat

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Shopping local will be rewarded this holiday season.

For shoppers interested in a chance to win $500 by buying gifts locally, their first step is to purchase a $10 “Shop Small Crawl” tote at Classic Elements, 345 Main St., or Flood City Cafe, 137 Clinton St., in downtown Johnstown.

Shoppers who add 20 buttons to their totes – one button is awarded per purchase from participating stores – can win a grand prize of $500.

A map of participating stores can be viewed here.

Shoppers who collect 15 or more buttons are eligible to win one of five local gift baskets.

The Shop Small Crawl, promoted by the nonprofit You in Flood City, begins Saturday and runs to Dec. 21.

“It is a collaborative effort to promote the vibrant local businesses that add character and charm to our beloved community,” the nonprofit said in a press release.

The Shop Small Crawl features 20 businesses in Johnstown.

“From cozy boutiques to specialty gift shops, participating businesses will offer exclusive deals, promotions and festive experiences that are sure to delight shoppers of all ages,” You in Flood City said.

In Ebensburg, an economic development nonprofit – Ebensburg Main Street Partnership – is sponsoring a “Shop Small Contest” for local residents Saturday.

For the past 15 years, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been promoted by communities as Small Business Saturday so that local businesses don’t get looked over for big-box stores during the holiday season.

“We are a community of small businesses and we want to do everything we can to help our small businesses thrive,” Danea Koss, community development director for the partnership said.

To enter the contest, shoppers are required to spend at least $50 Saturday at small businesses in Ebensburg. Proof of purchase must be submitted, either by snapping a picture of a receipt and texting it to 814-619-6071 or emailing dkoss@ebensburgpa.com.

Once the receipt is submitted, participants are entered to win one of six $25 gift cards to the Ebensburg small business of their choice.

“We encourage everyone to support your local community by shopping small in Ebensburg this holiday season and all throughout the year,” Koss said. “When you shop small you’re not just supporting a small business, you’re boosting your local economy, supporting local jobs and families and keeping local businesses in business.”