Here are a couple of smart ideas on how Easter activities can supercharge a shop local campaign and bring more people to your downtown area.
Celebrate Businesses on the Bunny Trail
First, one from across the pond. Neston (UK) has created an Easter egg hunt all ages can enjoy.
Participants pick up a shop local card from the town hall. They then visit 10 participating businesses for stickers and add them to their card. In addition to the business stickers, they must collect 2 from market stalls, This encourages visitors to check out the farmer’s market for their Easter table goodies.
When the card is complete, participants take the card to a local business, and trade it for an Easter egg. They are then eligible for several drawings.
Keep the Kids (of All Ages) Busy
If you’re bringing the community together for an old-fashioned Easter egg hunt, why not add a local merchant component like the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce is doing? In Charlevoix’s Merchant Open House Egg-stravaganza, shops and restaurants are hosting Easter specials like sales, raffles, giveaways, refreshments, and other special ways to celebrate the day.
Find the Golden Egg
The Sheldon Chamber of Commerce offers a fun hunt involving local businesses. The week before Easter, a golden egg is hidden somewhere in the community. Hints as to its location are posted everyday at participating businesses until it is found. This is a creative and fun way to get your community visiting local businesses all week.
Win a Bunny, Visit a Business
Here’s a twist on the traditional egg hunt. The Columbus Downtown Business Association is hosting an egg hunt in which 100 of the 4,000 eggs contain a special coupon for a plush bunny. In order to be awarded the bunny, the “hunter” needs to visit the participating business. Not only is this a fun way to get visitors in the door, but who doesn’t remember a business that gives them a bright pink rabbit?
Is your chamber gearing up for Easter? Don’t forget your local businesses. It’s a great time to encourage your community to shop local.
Image via Pixabay by Hans
