LINCOLN SQUARE — Shopping local is a great idea in theory, but in practice customers often opt for the convenience of malls or the cost savings delivered by big box retailers.
This holiday season, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is offering residents an added incentive to drop their dollars in the neighborhood — $50.
The Unwrap Lincoln Square Ravenswood campaign will reward the first 150 shoppers who spend $300 at Lincoln Square or Ravenswood businesses with a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or café. To qualify, shoppers need only collect receipts from purchases made between Nov. 23 and Dec. 24 and turn them into the Chamber office at 4732 N. Lincoln Ave, Suite 8.
The fine print: A minimum purchase of $25 per receipt is required, and customers can't rack up more than $100 on groceries and alcohol.
In tandem with the Unwrap program, the Chamber is also promoting “Sip & Shop” Thursdays throughout December, 6 - 8 p.m. During that time, participating businesses along Rockwell Street and Lincoln and Damen avenues will offer shoppers drinks and small bites, as well as discounts and special promotions.
According to the Chamber, for every $100 dollars spent at a local store, $68 stays in the community as opposed to $43 dollars if spent at a national chain.
