Group offering incentives to visit downtown Sudbury
Downtown Sudbury is offering an incentive gift card program to get people out shopping and eating downtown.
The business improvement association said the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted many businesses and hope the program gives people a good reason to visit the downtown core.
"What that means is if you buy a $100 gift card, we are going to give you $125," said Kyle Marcus, the managing director of Downtown Sudbury. "If you buy a $200 gift card we are going to give you $250 … and so on."
Thrive Health Food Essentials is a downtown retailer taking part in the gift card program. The co-owner said people are welcoming the idea of getting out shopping and dining again.
"You needed something to bring life back into the area," said Irene Andruch co-owner of Thrive Health Food Essentials. "And with summer and the patios coming out, you can feel it blossoming and thriving and something like this will get people hopefully back shopping downtown."
Peppi Panini Lounge and Bar said it has increased its hours in response to reopening and the owners hope people consider downtown as an outing.
"During COVID, we actually took a risk," said Julia Bertin, co-owner of Peppi Panini Lounge and Bar. "We spent money during COVID to grow our business because we knew that after COVID, people would want to come out, eat (and) have a great time."
In the inaugural week of the gift card program, purchasers will be eligible for a draw for a $750 shopping spree at participating businesses. The cards can be purchased online on Downtown Sudbury's website.
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