Downtown BIA brings back 10 Bucks Back

Stratford's downtown BIA is bringing back its 10 Bucks Back program to encourage shopping and dining in the downtown core.

Designed to help shoppers and diners make their holiday dollars go a little further, the BIA is bringing back its 10 Bucks Back program to encourage shopping and dining in the downtown core.

The BIA's 10 Bucks Back program allows participants to turn in $100 worth of receipts from downtown businesses between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 to receive $10 certificates in return. Participants have until the end of October to exchange their receipts at the bank, with a $500 limit per person.

Jamie Pritchard, general manager of the BIA, says, “There is nothing more rewarding than getting paid to shop, a great added bonus! I would also like to thank the Royal Bank and Destination Stratford for their continued support by providing redemption for this initiative.”

Simply shop or dine at participating downtown shops and bring your receipts to Stratford Royal Bank at 33 Downie St. from Monday to Friday, or to the tourism office at 47 Downie St. on Saturdays, to receive $10 back in promo dollars that can be used throughout downtown Stratford until Dec. 31.

The popular program is generally run in February, but Pritchard says this year they are running it in October to help boost local sales while also helping people get a head start on their Christmas shopping.

“We want to remind everyone to shop local, shop downtown, because we've got the best, most eclectic and unique businesses and shops,” said Pritchard. “Come downtown and take a look between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, then cash in, get your coupons and come back and start your Christmas shopping.”

There is a total of $10,000 available and it is first-come, first-served until the maximum amount has been reached. In past years, this amount has run out, so Pritchard says it’s important to get receipts in sooner rather than later.

Something else to keep an eye out for is the BIA official announcement of the Winter Wander-land event, where the Polar Express train rides around Stratford City Hall will return along with several other family-friendly activities.

For further information and details on the 10 bucks back program, email kgriffiths@downtownstratford.ca or call 519-271-5140.