First-Time Chippewa Falls Initiative Encourages Visits To Small Businesses
customers could win a $100 prize by shopping at participating businesses
author & photos by McKenna Scherer |
Shake off the post-holidays slump and get rewarded for shopping local by snagging the Downtown Winter Passport, a first-time initiative created by and for a number of Chippewa Falls small businesses.
The “passport” – available to pick up for free at all participating businesses – doubles as an invitation from local purveyors to the wider community: Customers can earn a stamp by making a $10 (or more) purchase at any of the participating businesses.
By racking up at least four stamps, patrons can turn their passport in for a chance to win $100 cash.
Cassie Smiskey, co-owner of The Chippewa Store, wanted to get creative and encourage locals to get out and about during the first few months of the year – recognized as a slower season for many retailers.
"A rising tide lifts all ships. If we get people downtown shopping, it can benefit all of us."
CASSIE SMISKEY
CO-OWNER, THE CHIPPEWA STORE
She reached out to fellow Chippewa Falls entrepreneur Mackenzie Nordin, owner of The Pretty Peach, and the duo put their heads together to bring the Downtown Winter Passport initiative to life.
After sharing the idea with other area businesses, the Downtown Winter Passport found its six participants: Calm & Collected Cannabis Co. (508 N. Bridge St.), Collective Charm (16 W. Columbia St.), Max’s Bistro & Bar (213 N. Bridge St.), Sokup’s Market (624 N. Bridge St.), The Chippewa Store (31 E. Columbia St.) and The Pretty Peach (521 N. Bridge St.).
The Downtown Winter Passport will run from January-March and will begin again with each new month to give shoppers three total opportunities to participate in the initiative. (Smiskey said there may be further incentives during February and March for those who gain all six stamps.)
“I’m excited about it because it’s collaborating with other business owners to help promote our wider community,” Smiskey said. “It’s not just one business trying to do it on their own.”
Johna Stern, co-owner of Collective Charm, echoed Smiskey’s thoughts. Stern said she was excited to be approached about the Downtown Winter Passport and hopes folks take the opportunity to engage with the downtown in a meaningful way.
“Promotions like this are a great example of what can happen when downtown businesses come together with a shared goal,” Stern said. “It’s not just about individual shops – it’s about creating energy, momentum and a sense of pride in our downtown!”
“A rising tide lifts all ships,” Smiskey said. “If we get people downtown shopping, it can benefit all of us.”
Pick up a Downtown Winter Passport – an initiative which runs from January-March this – at any of the six participating Chippewa Falls businesses. Simply ask for a stamp/punch on your passport after making a $10+ purchase at any of those businesses, and once gaining at least four, turn it into any of the businesses for a chance to win a $100 reward. Keep up with The Chippewa Store online for future updates.
