Holiday shopping passports are back in downtown Peterborough

If you’re looking for another reason to spend your money locally this holiday season, this could be it. Holiday Shopping Passports are back in downtown Peterborough, Ontario.

“Every time you shop, if you spend $ 10, you earn a stamp,” said Hillary Flood, communications manager for the Peterborough City Center Business Improvement Zone (DBIA). “So you shop, stamp, repeat – it’s that easy.”

Once you’ve filled out your card, you can grab it for a chance to win Downtown Dollars – three $ 500 Boro cards are up for grabs in December, with a big draw valued at $ 1,500 which will take place in the new year.

The program is an annual initiative set up by the DBIA. Flood said it was a fun way to get shoppers downtown.

“It just makes shopping while on vacation a little more exciting,” Flood said. “You are part of the community where you collect stamps, explore our historic downtown and enjoy the charm that comes with it. And, you know, getting rewarded along the way.

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And if you’re looking for a little gift giving inspiration, we’ve got you covered. At Wild Rock Outfitters, co-owner Scott Murison said the pandemic has caused a boom in outdoor activities and demand for outdoor gear continues this holiday season.

“This winter season starts quickly, a lot of demand because people always like to play outside. Snowshoes and cross-country skis have all been in demand, ”said Murison. “People are trying to figure out how to cope with a winter of outdoor activities. “

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He also said that while they may not be in season, bikes, kayaks and canoes are also popular choices after supply issues in the summer.

Nearby Coture Candy PTBO, owner Lisa Couture said they are also ready for the season.

“We have all of our Christmas stock now,” Couture said. “We’ve been downtown for two years now and have officially declared ourselves the stocking head office for Peterborough and the Kawarthas. “

And it looks like passports are a steal for downtown Peterborough. Flood said last year that more than $ 2 million was found in passports.

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“Just on passports there was $ 2.5 million in spending,” Flood said. “It’s a great economic accelerator to bring downtown and help small businesses at a time when we are really focused on the recovery.”

This makes it even more important to spend locally this year, she added.

Another popular gift idea? Désirée Kretschmar, owner of Plant Goals PTBO, said why not make it a green Christmas this year and add a houseplant to this holiday shopping list.

“I think this is the hobby that everyone has decided to start or really practice during the pandemic,” Kretschmar said. “We have so many different plants that are great for beginners, so if anyone wants a plant for a gift, we’re happy to point them to something they don’t have to worry about that will die right away.

“We have easy herbs that everyone from beginners to professionals will appreciate and love. “

Passports can be picked up and dropped off at participating city centers and you can fill out as many as you like. For more information, you can visit the Peterborough DBIA website.

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