Shenango ‘Shop Around Giveaway’ Begins Saturday
SHARON, Pa. – A Shenango Valley Shop Around Giveaway will take place this year instead of the promotion event that normally centers on Sharon’s downtown.
Businesses from restaurants and retailers to professional offices throughout the Shenango Valley are being encouraged to offer giveaways such as gift baskets and gift cards.
The Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the promotion, which is intended to boost the local economy and draw foot traffic to local businesses, many of which have suffered because of the coronavirus pandemic. Visitors can enter to win one of the prizes at participating businesses beginning this weekend during Small Business Saturday.
“We’re trying to find ways to help the business community. This is such a difficult time,” Sherris Moreira, chamber executive director, said. “We know that the business community is struggling, and the only way that we can hope to help them to survive this difficult time is to work together in every way that we can.”
The goal is to accumulate $10,000 in prizes for the giveaways, Moreira said. The giveaways will be promoted via news media, social media and potentially paid advertising.
“We’re just happy that the whole Shenango Valley is being included this year,” said Gia Hart-Kokor, co-owner of Maison de Savon.
The Hermitage store offers an array of locally produced essential oils, soaps, lotions, cosmetics and other personal care products. It will give away a $100 basket of its products for men, women and children.
Business this year has been slow, “but we have wonderful, loyal customers that have been helping us get though these uncertain times,” Hart-Kokor said. Customers increasingly are taking advantage of the business’ website to make purchases and the business is preparing to launch a delivery service.
Lindy Schleip-Phillips, owner of Lindy’s at the Beach, said 2020 has presented challenges for her business, between government-imposed shutdowns and hesitation among staff as well as customers because of the close contact that the services require. Services at the Hermitage hair and nail salon also include teeth whitening, tanning beds and massages.
The salon will give away a spa package valued at $114 as part of the promotion. This weekend, beginning with what she describes as “Wild Turkey Wednesday” through Cyber Monday, her store will offer steep discounts, Schleip-Phillips said.
She likewise appreciated the support she has received from the community, including the purchase of gift cards while the shop was closed.
“I consider myself very blessed. This isn’t going to shut me down, even though it is a struggle,” she said.
Other participating businesses include the Gifted at Applegate gift shop, LuLu Beans Café & Coffee House and Reyers Shoe Store in Sharon.
The prize drawings will take place Dec. 23, Moreira said.
Businesses interested in participating can email the chamber at [email protected]. There also is an event page on Facebook.
Pictured at top: Lindy Schleip-Phillips, owner of Lindy’s at the Beach in Hermitage, Pa., and Stephanie Thomas, manager, hold gift card containers and products packaged for sale during the holidays
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