It’s called “Cabin Fever Frenzy,” and its goal is to encourage people to shop in small quantities during February, which is usually a slow time of year for small businesses.
Pennsylvania, USA – When Mary Beck opened an antique store in Scranton’s Central Station Marketplace with her husband five years ago, she had two big goals: networking with other small business owners in the area, and surviving the three-year lease on the building she owned. she bought it
I accomplished both, thanks in large part to a shopping challenge I cooked up called “Cabin Fever Frenzy”.
“The holiday is over, and everyone’s burnt out, so cabin fever gets everyone out of the house, getting them ready for spring,” Beck said.
It works like this: Get a card at any of the 20 participating companies throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Spend $10 or more at any of the stores to get a stamp. Six stamps will get you into a drawing for one of three $200 gift cards, which you can use at any of the businesses.
“It’s fun to see people crossing the parking lot with their little card,” Beck said.
The idea is to encourage people to shop small during what is usually the slowest of the year.
“February is a rough time of year for small businesses. Everyone is huddled together to hibernate. The holidays are over, and that brings them out. Everyone loves a good treasure hunt and three chances to win a $200 ticket at the end are pretty good,” said Gretchen Cenercia, who works at Milpens Morcantile in Nicholson. : “Wonderful”.
“We’ve had a lot of new customers over the past three years of doing this. It’s really benefited us and all of our sellers,” said Maren Visavati, owner of Sunny Treasures Vendor Collections in Tunkhannock.
Companies from Scranton to Towanda are involved.
“It’s drawing people from all different areas. I’m all the way in Wyoming County, so it brings people from Scranton, it brings people from Wyoming County here. And we’re not in competition; “To help each other.”
“People find it interesting to find new places with a different set. In each of these places, you’ll find something unique,” said Nikki Stone, a seller at Sunny Treasures. “And while you’re doing it, you’re supporting independent people who are just trying to do something fun and make a living.”
You have until February 28th to get your stamps. The drawing will be held on March 5th. Get updates on the group’s Facebook page here.
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