Holiday raffle adds extra incentive to shop local
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POLSON — Thanksgiving is on the horizon, but when the turkey and stuffing are leftovers then it’s time for the serious business of holiday shopping. A few overachievers have already started tucking away holiday treasures and stocking stuffers.
In an effort to keep shoppers in the local community, the Polson Business Community has sponsored a holiday raffle. Since Oct. 10, people have been able to pick up an envelope at a participating business and keep receipts from their downtown purchases. When they reach the $250 mark, people take the envelopes containing their receipts to either Jackie M’s Footwear or the UPS store and get them validated, which entitles them to a chance to win one of four holiday gift boxes. The prize boxes contain $500 worth of gift certificates from participating businesses.
Last year’s holiday promotion attracted 400 entrants. Jackie Cripe, co-owner of Jackie M’s Footwear, estimated it brought $100,000 worth of shopping to downtown Polson.
This is the third year for the holiday promotion, and the first year they had 100 people participating.
The PBC also has ads enticing shoppers to stay local for holiday shopping, asking folks to come downtown and check out the new merchandise mix and stores that recently opened.
Special dates to keep in mind are Nov. 22, when Santa Claus will be at the new business Perfectly Imperfect, 305 Main Street, next to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai building.
Santa will return to the Cove on Nov. 28, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, with Tasha Conrad Avison on hand to photograph children on Santa’s lap.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving Small Business Saturday promotion is planned for downtown Polson, the PBC working with the Chamber of Commerce and American Express.
“We’ll have refreshment, special deals, balloons and mats outside business doors,” Cripe said.
The annual art walk and holiday parade will share billing on Dec. 5, with the parade beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the lighting the town’s Christmas tree.
