Fairfax City launches eGift card program to support small, local businesses
FAIRFAX, Va. (7News) — It’s been well documented what the pandemic has done to small businesses and now many are bracing for what could be a subdued holiday season thanks to inflation.
AlixPartners, the global consulting firm, predicts holiday sales will fall well below last year’s 16% growth and inflation is currently above 8%.
This week, Fairfax City’s Economic Development Office is implementing a new community-based eGift Card program. Indicative of how jurisdictions are becoming more innovative and creative, to try to help mom and pops. The Fairfax City Flex Card is an eGift Card program where 100% of all gift card sales remain within Fairfax City.
“We are providing a gift card that residents, visitors and tourists can actually sign up online, at fairfaxcityconnected.gov/flex. They can buy a gift card directly from us and use it at any one of the participating Fairfax City small and local businesses,” said Christopher Bruno, The Director of Economic Development for Fairfax City.
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So far 19 businesses are partnered with the program.
The inaugural list of Flex Card businesses includes well-known city businesses such as Capital Ale House, Ornery Beer Company, Dante Salon and Wellness Spa, JoyLife Spa, DIY Scent Studio, and others. The EDO will run Flex Card promotions throughout the year to encourage participation.
“Coming out of the pandemic, our small and local businesses were looking for some support and our mayor and council to their credit asked us to develop some really innovative programs that delivered support directly to those city small businesses. Rather than just give those businesses a check we wanted to develop a program that connected those businesses with the customers, with the residents, with the visitors,” added Bruno.
It’s a sign of the times, jurisdictions finding unique ways to help small businesses dust themselves off after the pandemic. City officials in Fairfax say shopping and buying local has never been more critical. Special promotions are currently scheduled during Small Business Saturday and a Buy One Get One will be offered during the holiday season.
To learn more about the program, see the full list of businesses participating and how to purchase your own e-gift card, visit here.
