Part of Local Shop Small Initiative 

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October 13, 2020 Media PA The Media Business Authority (MBA) is pleased to announce it is launching a gift card raffle program to support local retail businesses.  The raffle is scheduled from October 17 – November 21.   Over 100 gift cards, ranging in price from $25- $50 have been purchased for raffle from local retail businesses and restaurants.

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“The raffle program is designed to drive traffic to our local and independent retail businesses”, said Bryan Messick, Chairman of the MBA. Individuals are eligible to enter the raffle when they make a purchase at participating retailers.  The gift cards will be raffled off weekly through November 21, 2020. 

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The raffle program is part of a Shop Small initiative, an extension of Small Business Saturday. According to Heather Arata, proprietor Earth & State a pottery and crafts store in Media, and MBA Board Member, “Shopping small and local can have a huge impact on local communities from job creation to creating a sense of place.”  According to the SBA and American Express for every $100 spent at an independent retailer, nearly 50%  is returned to the community including in support of other businesses.     

 

Ally Britton, proprietor KUTA, a Media based jewelry and apparel store, and MBA Board Member, echoed this sentiment and noted  supporting local businesses also helps to build community, “there’s something special about knowing the owner of the store when you walk in the door.”  “Today the experience is critical to a retailers’ success, and local retailers and restaurants tend to provide more personalized service which contributes to overall customer experience and satisfaction,” said Ally Britton.   

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The MBA will be purchasing a gift card with funds from the borough from each qualifying business that was shut down for the duration of the mandated closure. These gift cards will then be raffled off in a Shop Small campaign starting October 17th & running through November 21st. The MBA will be  highlighting different businesses each week, creating excitement around shopping local, and generating additional repeat customers for all the local businesses. According to research, typically, a customer spends about 3 times their gift card amount when eating out, and about 2 times the amount of their gift card when shopping retail. Gift Cards have been received from a range of businesses including restaurants, area coffee and specialty food shops, apparel and general goods and gift stores.

 

Why Shop Small?

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• The holiday shopping season is critical to small businesses, contributing an average of about 30% of their yearly sales 

• Shopping locally is better for the environment because many of the items you buy are produced closer 

• For every $100 spent at an independent retailer, $45 is returned to the community in support of other businesses compared to $14 for the large chain stores.

• For every $100 spent at an independent restaurant returns about $65 to the local economy, compared to $34 for chain restaurants.

• 66% of consumers state the main reason they support small businesses is because of their contributions to the community.

• 77% of consumers said Small Business Saturday® inspires them to “Shop Small” through the year and not just for the holidays. 

• 90% of consumers believe small businesses contribute positively to their local communities.

 

Background

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About the MBA

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The Media Business Authority is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging economic growth, cultivating a positive visual environment, and sustaining and nurturing business development in the Borough of Media. The MBA also helps enhance marketing and patronage of  Media businesses through activities and events such as Dining Under The Stars, the America's Music Festival Series and other community events throughout the year.

 

Participating Business Where You Can Enter the Raffle  (partial List)

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Any retailer or specialty store that is NOT a restaurant or designated essential during the initial Pandemic related business shut down. Additional stores that are participating will be added. 

 

Bryn Mawr Running

Cycle Sports

Deja Vu

Earth & State 

Game DVD Exchange

Kenny’s

Kuta

Local 

Magic Threads

Media Cards & Sports

Prodigy Salon

Seven Stones

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