Visit Occoquan has found a way to encourage people to shop locally: Mastercard community gift cards.
You can purchase a set amount on a plastic gift card or send one as an e-gift. The cards can be used at participating independent Occoquan stores or online at those businesses, provided they accept Mastercard.
“We plan to sell the cards during large events such as our upcoming RiverFest & Craft Show (June 1–2) and Fall Arts & Crafts Show (Sep 28–29). We hope to run some promotions to get the word out around the holidays as well. Our gift cards are fantastic teacher gifts and stocking stuffers,” says Sarah Burzio, vice president of the nonprofit Visit Occoquan, which promotes the historic Prince William County town.
We asked Burzio more about the new Mastercard community gift cards. Here are her responses.
How did you come up with the idea?
We wanted to find a way to support our town’s small businesses, while giving customers the ease of purchasing one card to use many places. We heard from people who were concerned about buying a gift card for a small business, gifting it, then finding out the shop or restaurant went out of business. This card gives the consumer peace of mind and flexibility and we get to keep the shop-small atmosphere.
What’s been the reaction so far from business owners? Shoppers?
It has been positive so far! It’s open to all businesses in Occoquan (and completely free!), by filling out a very quick online form. Unlike our old program, this one is not reliant on business owners to physically turn in cards, wait a week or more for a volunteer board member to process a check reimbursement, etc. The shop owner gets the funds immediately when the gift card is used. For shoppers, they have the option to purchase a physical card (looks and acts like a credit card) or use a virtual e-card on their phone. Our favorite part of this program is how easy it is for all parties involved!
What businesses are participating?
You can find a current list of participating businesses at giverrang.com/gift-card/visit-occoquan-va. This list is growing daily as we work to get more businesses signed up. Here is a quick list as well:
Ballywhack Shack Cafe
Be Always Beautiful Boutique
Cock and Bowl Belgian Bistro
Earth Addictions
Forever Young
Gift and Gather
Glory Be
Graffiti Cat Pizza
Hitchcock Paper Co.
Jerry’s Occoquan Jewelers
Leaf & Moss
Leaf & Petal
Madigan’s Waterfront
Occoquan Optical
Occoquan Outfitter Souvenirs & Gifts
Patriot Diving
Potomac Chocolate
Puzzle Palooza Etc
So Bohemian Inc.
The Loft Gallery
The Spot on Mill Street
Verano
Feature image courtesy Visit Occoquan
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Shopping newsletter.
