Centre Wellington residents can now support local merchants this holiday season and into the future with the creation of Gift of Choice gift cheques.
The initiative is a venture between the Fergus Elora Retail Alliance, and the Fergus Business Improvement Area, the Elora BIA, the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Centre Wellington economic development department. It is sponsored by the OLG Slots and Scotiabank in Fergus.
“The great thing about this venture is that it expands beyond our downtown borders and goes further into the community,” said Dave Rushton, manager of economic development, noting the goal of the program is to expand to businesses not currently in the downtown cores, also encouraging non-chamber members to participate in the program too. Businesses not currently affiliated with the alliance, the BIAs or the chamber will have to buy in to the program.
“We are going to work with manufacturers and other area businesses to use this program as an employee rewards incentive,” Rushton said. “The OLG Slots will be using this as a giveaway promotion and point redemption incentive for frequent customers .”
Chamber general manager Roberta Scarrow said the objective is to support the local economy. “We want people to participate and support local businesses. And it’s not just about retail shops, but businesses offering services, too.”
Another highlight of the Gift of Choice is it will continue beyond Christmas, making these gift cheques a local shopping incentive year-round. According to Rushton, the program has a life-span projected for the next two-years.
“Previously we had BIA bucks,” Ruston said. “But there wasn’t a good system in place for security and control.”
Gift of Choice gift cheques are like gift certificates but in a secure, numerated cheque form. They will be available for purchase at: the chamber and Fergus Tourist Information office at 400 Tower Street South, or the Elora information centre at 9 East Mill Street, seven days a week.
“These are legitimate, prepaid cheques, much like any gift card,” Scarrow said.
The cheques can be purchased in denominations of $10 or $25 and will be used as cash at all participating retailers and businesses. Currently, 22 merchants are signed.
“There will be decals clearly identifying the participating stores and businesses that customers will find on the doors or window fronts,” said Scarrow. Those cheques can then be used to purchase items or services.
As a special promotion, the Scotiabank in Fergus is hosting the official launch of the program Nov. 24 from 4pm to 8pm. The first 100 customers to buy the cheques will receive a ten percent discount.
That coincides with the Starlight Shopping Nights in downtown Elora on Nov. 24 and 25 from 6pm to 9pm. Downtown Fergus has Moonlight Madness Shopping on Dec. 16 until 9pm.
“We think this program will be a success for local merchants and our community,” Scarrow said. “We are bringing together four different organizations who are all working together to keep local people shopping locally.”
