Shopping locally can do more than stimulate the local economy. It can also put $1,000 in your wallet.
Over two dozen McMinnville businesses are collaborating on a holiday promotion that will give away $1,000 as the grand prize. The grand prize drawing will be Dec. 17 at center stage at Three Star Mall.
Getting a chance at the $1,000 jackpot is simple. Just drop your name and phone number in one of the registration boxes at participating businesses and you are eligible to win.
In addition to the grand prize, participating businesses are offering prizes to be given away from their store. Pioneer Building Supply, for example, is giving away a 170-piece crescent wrench set. National Diamond is giving away diamond stud earrings. Barrett’s is giving away a printer.
The holiday giveaway is part of a larger Try Here Buy Here campaign that encourages local residents to shop in Warren County year round. Shopping here helps local stores to stay in business. It also keeps sales tax dollars at home to help fund vital programs such as schools.
“We want everyone to realize the wonderful shopping options we have right here in Warren County,” said Standard publisher Patricia Zechman, one of the Try Here Buy Here organizers. “Before spending your time to drive to another community to support their businesses, see what we have to offer here at home. I think you’ll find what you need.”
Zechman says the Standard’s Black Friday promotion of a one-year subscription for $50 is proof customers will respond and shop locally.
“We are not a traditional retail business that comes to mind when people think about Black Friday,” said Zechman. “But we had 210 customers in a two-hour time frame and many of those were new subscribers so it really helped our business.”
Sears owner Teresa Barrett says her store enjoyed strong sales over the Black Friday weekend and she has her theory as to why.
“I think people are more focused on shopping at home and I think Try Here Buy Here is working,” said Barrett. “A lot of people told me they wanted to stay in town and shop locally and it’s good that we’re starting to get that mentality.”
For a complete list of retailers who are participating in the $1,000 giveaway, see page 6-A.