Shop till you drop

Got a tax refund burning a hole in your pocket? First off, lucky you. Secondly, why not stretch those dollars and support small local businesses at the same time?

There’s still time to cash in on the Durango Business Improvement District’s (BID) Spring Rewards Program. Co-sponsored by Alpine Bank, Urban Market and the Durango Chamber of Commerce, the program rewards shoppers with gift cards to local businesses. Spend $250, get a $25 girt card; spend $400 and get a $50 gift card.

 The good news is, racking up purchases is easier than you think. Nearly 400 eligible BID and Durango Chamber of Commerce are participating.

“We know during this season our locals are looking to purchase summer gear, spend their tax returns, or shop for upcoming graduations and Mother’s Day,” Tim Walsworth, BID Executive Director, said. “Why not make those purchases locally and earn rewards back?”

There are 250 total rewards available on a first-come, first-served basis. As of Tuesday, there were still 177 available. The gift cards can be redeemed at the following local businesses:

• Animas Trading Co.

• Art Supply House

• Blues Mountain & Soul

• Crows Closet

• Durango Beer and Ice Co.

• Durango Treasures

• Eolus Bar & Dining

• Lizard Head Trading Co.

• Maria’s Bookshop

• Oscars Café

• Public House 701

• Sage Fresh Eats

• Steamworks Brewing Co.

• Sun Sapphires

• Twilight Toys

• Urban Market

 To earn rewards, shoppers may upload up to 10 receipts from qualifying businesses. For a list of qualifying businesses or to submit receipts, go to: DowntownDurango.org/Spring-Rewards. 

“Spring can be an unpredictable season for our Downtown and business community,” said Tanya Clegg, BID Director of Marketing. “We’re excited to offer something that rewards our local businesses and our local shoppers.”