Through December 1, shoppers are asked to submit their receipts for local purchases to The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce to enter to win up to $1,000 in prizes.
“The average family spends $1,000 for Christmas gifts, so we are giving away $1,000. We want to encourage everyone to shop local for their gifts, but also any purchase at any local business may be counted as an entry for the giveaway,” says Marcus Holland, executive director.
Shop Local is a theme that the Centralia Chamber has promoted for years. It encourages support of local businesses instead of online businesses that do not support our economy.
“When you shop in our community, your money stays in our community. The businesses employ our neighbors, they support our schools and sports programs, and most importantly, they are investing into making our community better,” adds Holland.
Each receipt that is submitted to the Centralia Chamber is counted as one entry for five weekly drawings of $100, and one grand prize drawing of $500. Receipts can be of any value, for any product or service, and must with a local business.
Receipts made from purchases on Shop Local Fridays count as double entries. Businesses are encouraged to stay open until 7:00 p.m. on Fridays through November so people can shop after work. There are also some special events on Fridays, so shoppers will have more opportunities for discounts.
Friday, November 17, is Pink Friday. Each year, this Friday before Thanksgiving is reserved for celebrating boutiques and locally-owned retail stores. In downtown Centralia, Klotheer Boutique will have promotions and sales all day. Other businesses will participate in the celebrations, including the new A&A Armory, Crooked Creek Winery Downtown, and the Centralia Chamber.
Friday, November 24, is Black Friday. Notoriously, this Friday marks the time when retail stores make a profit for the year. The biggest sales and deals are promoted at all retail chains, including local stores!
Friday, December 1, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is the Downtown Christmas Stroll. Each year, over 40 businesses participate by hiding an ornament for families to find and enter to win prizes. This year, there will be three locations for entertainment, a shuttle for transportation sponsored by the Centralia Chamber, carriage rides sponsored by Monken Auto, and an additional Downtown Christmas Crawl that extends the festivities to 10:00 p.m. for bars and restaurants.
“There are a lot of opportunities for families to Shop Local and Give Local this holiday season — and you may win some cash, too!” says Holland.
Drawings for the weekly prizes are on Mondays, with the final drawing on Monday, December 4. The winner for the first $100 weekly prize is Cheryl Young.
The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce is a membership business organization with the mission to strengthen the community to enhance business success. Shop Local is a campaign to promote commerce for economic and business growth. The $1,000 Giveaway, Shop Local Fridays, the Downtown Christmas Stroll, and the Downtown Christmas Crawl are sponsored and organized by The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce.
For more details and official rules, please visit www.centraliachamber.com/shoplocal
Pictured above is Shop Local Giveaway winner Cheryl Young.
