The second round of the Haines Borough’s “Shop Local and Save” program, which opened Nov. 20, ended a week early after residents submitted the maximum number of applications allotted. The program was scheduled to end on Dec. 6.
“We tapped out at 400 (applications) on Friday (Nov. 27) at 3 p.m.,” Haines Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) director David Simmons said. HEDC and the Haines Chamber of Commerce are responsible for program administration.
The Haines Borough Assembly funded the second round of the Shop Local and Save program using $44,000 from the CARES Act. The program offered $100 in local business gift certificates to individuals who spent at least $200 on discretionary purchases in Haines.
“This program, as expected, brought more than one hundred and sixty thousand dollars to local business,” Simmons said. “That’s more than a quarter million dollars between the two programs.”
Chamber executive director Tracey Harmon said residents turned in receipts well over the $200 minimum because they bought larger, more expensive items. As a result, the program stimulated more local spending than anticipated.
Simmons said the program received additional applications, beyond the 400 the $44,000 allowed for. The plan is to ask the assembly to fund remaining applications at a meeting on Dec. 8.
Lutak Lumber, Haines Home Building, Alaska Sport Shop, Miles Furniture and The Bookstore were the top-five businesses shoppers selected for gift card redemption, of the 46 businesses that participated. Store owners said the program has offered a measure of relief heading into what they expect will be a challenging winter.
“I definitely noticed an uptick in sales. People were remarking that they were buying holiday gifts early to ship to folks south,” said The Bookstore owner Amy Kane, who opened the business this year, right before the pandemic began. “The shop local program has been great for me. I see an obvious benefit, and it has helped provide me with a little buffer,” she said.
Miles Furniture has been plagued by supply shortages and has been mostly unable to stock appliances and other large furniture items. Owner Scott Bradford said he saw a boost in spending in his store after residents, spurred by the program, bought kitchen appliances, Christmas decorations and toys.
“We did well. Shoppers were excited. I’m really glad people shop local. It will certainly help us through the long winter (that’s) coming,” Bradford said, adding that the store sold more this round compared to the first.
The first round of the program, which took place in October, was funded with $22,000 from the CARES Act. The program closed in 13 days after residents spent roughly $80,000, exhausting program funds.
Residents have until Dec. 31 to redeem gift certificates.