RICHMOND, Va. β Richmond's Department of Economic Development has launched a free customer rewards program designed to encourage families to shop at local businesses throughout the city. The goal is to drive traffic to neighborhood businesses through a new app that offers cashback rewards for every purchas
The RVA Open Rewards program, available through the Bludot Open Rewards app, offers cashback at 400 participating businesses ranging from stores to restaurants.
The rewards are credited automatically at no cost to shoppers or businesses.
"Small businesses are really the backbone of the city of Richmond," Bryonna Head, the marketing manager for the Economic Development Authority, said.
The program launched this week with immediate success. In fact, Head said the first couple of hours saw over 100 app downloads, which was very exciting for the team.
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You can now earn rewards for shopping at local businesses in Richmond
At Le Cache Dulcet, a coffee shop and record store on Broad Street that opened a year ago, owner Patrick Weaver is enthusiastic about the new program.
"Everybody should support local businesses because, I mean, it builds the community in a sense, keeps our doors open," Weaver said.
Weaver sees the rewards program as particularly beneficial during slower business days and as a way to highlight newer establishments like his own.
"Everybody likes to save money and get money back, so I'm excited for that," Weaver said. "I feel like it would encourage people to spend more."
The program offers special timing for Valentine's weekend shoppers. From now until Feb. 18, customers can earn 6% cashback on purchases. After Wednesday, the cashback rate will be 5% on purchases.
Business owners participating in the program say they love the idea of keeping local dollars within the city while providing value to their customers. The initiative represents Richmond's effort to support the small businesses that form the backbone of the local economy.
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