No need to worry about those itchy socks, the exercise bike collecting dust or gift cards to stores you have to find on Google.
Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) have revamped their downtown dollars program, offering a chance to purchase from a large selection of merchants while supporting local businesses and helping keep holiday spending in the community.
"The last thing you want to do is buy something that ends up on the shelf," Jamie Pritchard, Downtown Stratford BIA general Manager, told StratfordToday.
The downtown dollars program has existed for several years, however, the new version features a QR code that can be scanned to find a list of the more than 200 participants. Local businesses are also displaying window signs, letting shoppers know they accept them.
Open to all residents, Pritchard said the downtown dollars program helps alleviate the stress of finding that perfect gift for your loved ones or friends. Employers can also give them out at the holidays to offer a wide selection of choice for their employees.
"You are getting something you really want," Pritchard said.
Pritchard said downtown dollars are a big boost to local businesses, which are increasingly competing against online companies.
"The majority of our businesses in the downtown are run by independent business people, owners on the front lines working with staff," he said. "When you purchase downtown dollars you are supporting these local businesses and supporting local staff."
Coming off some lean years during the COVID pandemic, local business needs local support more than ever, he said.
"It will help bring people downtown."
Adding to the atmosphere in the downtown for the holiday shopping season is Downtown Winter Wander-Land, this year over two weekends, Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 3-4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pritchard said the event will feature a carousel and blacksmith John Walker at Market Square, along with fire pits and the Spot Santa scavenger hunt. Starting Dec. 1, the City of Stratford is again offering four hours of free parking in downtown areas.
"We have such a great downtown, bustling and busy and we want to keep it that way."
Downtown dollars can be purchased at the Downtown Stratford BIA office inside the Stratford Tourism building. Denominations are available in $5, $10 and $20 and don't expire.
For more information go to http://downtownstratford.ca
