Keep Your Community Card Top Of Mind During The Holidays

Did you know Consumers plan to spend nearly half (46%) of their holiday budget on gift cards? Gift Cards are attractive because they are economically resilient and despite tight budgets, consumers are increasing their holiday budgets by 8%, largely driven by Gen Z. Why not keep those dollars in your community, instead of letting them go to ecommerce and national brands? Use the ideas below to make sure your program is top-of-mind!

We also wanted to remind you that the holidays are a great time to launch a BOGO and to set up the "Featured Merchants and Special Offers" section in your portal. Consumers are looking for more deals- they are feeling the effects of inflation and hence want to stretch their dollars wherever possible. If you have any questions on BOGOs or featured merchants, feel free to respond to this email. 

Finally, if you missed our Webinar with Mastercard, "Strategies For Supporting Local Businesses In The Holiday Season," you can watch the recording here. 

Here are the Top 10 ideas for keeping your program in the holiday limelight: 

1. Prizes - Your Community Card makes a great prize for holiday decorating contests, parade entries, bake-offs, door prizes, etc. 
2. Fundraisers - Feature your Community Card in auctions and raffles that are raising money for other causes.
3. Gift baskets - Any gift basket can be turned into a "Shop Local" gift basket by adding your Community Card. Encourage realtors and corporate giftors to do this and show their community spirit.
4. Holiday fairs - Set up a booth and sell your Community Card at the holiday fair. You'll be a hero for supporting local businesses. Use our new "Order Desk" feature to sell gifts on the spot. 
5. Scavenger hunt parties - Host a "shop local" scavenger hunt for your team - give each member your Community Card and an hour to spend it on "Main Street" followed by a celebratory coffee/cocktail/dinner party with the group. They'll all come back smiling!
6. Donations - Donate the gift that gives back to your community! Let families in need decide what is best for them.
7. Teacher gifts - Put a reminder message in your school bulletins that your Community Card makes a great holiday gift for teachers.
8. Coach gifts - Add a reminder to your newsletter that your Community Card is the perfect "thanks for a great season" gift.
9. Employee gifts - The holidays are a time when many employers show their appreciation for their employees, clients and partners. Your Community Card is much better than another box of chocolates, more unique than that bottle of wine, and shows that they care both about their employees and their community.
10. Time Out - Treat a friend (or yourself) to a well-deserved break from the holiday madness. Surprise and delight them with your Community Card and let them choose where to spend it.