SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — Shopping small will come with some perks in Schuylkill County this holiday season. The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Annual 2024 Business Season starting on Monday, November 11th.
Tony Merchlinsky, Member of Relations Director at Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce says it's all part of the annual Let's Keep the Cheer Here campaign which encourages people to shop locally.
"So our Let's Keep the Cheer Here campaign is focused on small businesses and getting people to go there where they would get stamps and then when they get those stamps they can then fill out a passport. Then they get their name put into a raffle where they can pick a prize at the end of it," Merchlinsky says.
You can get your passport stamped at more than 20 participating businesses in Schuylkill County. Once those passports are full, you will be entered to win a prize.
The chamber is also rolling out something new this year. The shop Schuylkill community digital gift card.
"So, instead of gifting Amazon or visa gift cards for the holidays we're really focusing on people hopefully gifting these cards and keeping money local," Merchlinsky says.
With the gift card you'll be able to shop at any participating local business as you would with a visa card.
Kitty Lou Boutique, owned by Jackie Demcher, in Downtown Pottsville is just one of the businesses gearing up for the holiday season.
"It feels great that people come out and shop small. It does a lot for our community especially for our downtown area. We're thriving and making things better downtown," Demcher says.
Drasdis & Son, a nearby men's clothing store is also participating. The two businesses are donating gift cards and more for those who come out and support local businesses.
"The money staying in Schuylkill county is also big because we support the fire companies, the churches, the little league teams and all that stuff so that's important," says owner of Drasdis & Son, Joseph Drasdis.
"Promoting our local economy and supporting our local economy is just so important because these businesses are providing so much for us that we may not even think about on a daily basis," Merchlinsky adds.
To get your passport or gift card for the 2024 Annual Business Season in Schuylkill County visit the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce website by clicking here.