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Livermore Downtown Inc. has partnered with the city, county and Yiftee to launch a new eGift program for those who buy from locally owned businesses in Livermore and the immediately surrounding areas in Alameda County.
Dubbed “Gift Livermore,” the program aims to incentivize residents to patronize participating businesses by giving those who buy one eGift an additional eGift as “a thank you for shopping local” — purchase an eGift for $40 and get an additional $15 eGift, or buy a $75 eGift and receive an additional $25 eGift.
“Gift Livermore helps our small businesses and our residents exactly when they need it most. By shopping locally we invest in what makes Livermore unique and we keep those dollars recirculating in the local economy where they generate more City funding. This is truly a win-win-win,” said Adam Van De Water, the city’s director of innovation and economic development.
“This is a clever opportunity, which greatly benefits small Livermore business owners and the public. It incentivizes people to shop locally and be rewarded,” added Mike Allen, who with wife Linda owns First Street Wine Company, which is participating in the new program.
Gift Livermore currently features 66 local businesses, according to its website. The list includes retail shops, restaurants, personal services, wineries and more.
A resident can receive a maximum of one thank-you gift per participating merchant, but there is no limit on the number of different merchants from which they can earn at eGift. The program encourages people to “buy from your favorites, but also try some of those that just may be a new favorite,” according to Rachael Snedecor, executive director of Livermore Downtown Inc.
The downtown association pitched the concept to the local public agencies as a way to support businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns and restrictions, as well as to offer some minor assistance and incentive to residents who shop local in the Livermore Valley, according to Snedecor.
“The city of Livermore and Alameda County have contributed funds to cover set up and merchant fees so that full eGift purchase funds will go directly to the businesses,” she said. “To make this program even more exciting and beneficial, the city of Livermore and Alameda County have contributed funds for consumer incentives.”
Livermore Mayor Bob Woerner added, “We really appreciate Livermore Downtown Inc. suggesting this program to the city. I hope you all enthusiastically support this at any level you can, enjoying and supporting our locally owned businesses.”
To learn more, visit giftlivermore.com.
