Recently, outside of Matty’s Toy Stop in Rockville Centre, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) and the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to announce the “Shop Safe, Shop Local Scavenger Hunt,” encouraging residents to shop and dine at local small businesses – struggling from the impact of the pandemic. This is the County’s second annual scavenger hunt to promote shopping local during the holiday season but this year it has been expanded from one day to one week. The event will kick off on Small Business Saturday, November 28, 2020 and run through Friday, December 4, 2020. There will be one winner each day. The first to complete the hunt each day successfully will receive a $100 gift card to shop local – courtesy of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce.
“Our small businesses, especially those in our once bustling downtowns, that employ so many of our neighbors, families and friends, are struggling to survive. You can help throw them a lifeline just by doing your holiday shopping at the mom and pop shops in your community – rather than online or at big box retailers,” said County Executive Laura Curran. “I hope residents take advantage of this engaging shopping game and have some fun while supporting and safely exploring local small businesses – you never know the hidden gems you may find. Together we can help ensure our local economy recovers from the devastation of the pandemic and comes back vibrant and strong.”
“The Industrial Development Agency and our sister organization, the Local Economic Assistance Corporation, have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to do what we could to assist small businesses during these challenging times including loans and PPE giveaways. This is just another effort of support to promote shopping safely and shopping locally to support the brick and mortar businesses that are the fabric of this county,” said Richie Kessel, Chairman, Nassau County IDA.
“The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce is proud to be partnering with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and the Nassau County IDA in this our second annual scavenger hunt. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize our local business owners and chamber members who eagerly await your safe shopping experience. These members support your local organizations and events throughout your communities. We ask that you visit your town’s Chamber of Commerce website for a list of stores from which to choose to show your support. Remember ‘Before you click and buy… give shop local a try’! Good luck to all participants,” said Julie Marchesella, Past President NCCC.
Small Business Saturday was first launched by American Express in 2010, to promote shopping at small businesses in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This collaborative event expands on Small Business Saturday and is intended to highlight the economic impact and importance of shopping and dining locally.
How to Play:
- Print the “Shop Safe, Shop Local Scavenger Hunt” sheet available on: www.nassaucountyny.gov/shoplocal.
- WHEN: The event will kick off on Small Business Saturday, November 28, 2020 and run through Friday, December 4, 2020. Purchases must be made all within the same day.
- WHERE: All purchases must be made at shops located within the same community in Nassau County (i.e.: all within East Meadow, or all within Lynbrook, etc.). Locations of purchases must include small businesses – no national franchises.
- HOW TO SUBMIT: Complete four of the eight tasks on the scavenger sheet. Include a photo of yourself, in a mask, with the product and name of the business for each of the four selected tasks of the hunt. For online shopping, include a screenshot of your receipt and photo of the product either online or when it’s delivered (i.e.: food). Completed Scavenger Hunt Sheets with corresponding photos of four tasks can be submitted on Facebook by tagging: @NCExecutive, @NassauCouncilofChambersofCommerce, @NassauCountyIDA #ShopSafeShopLocal. No Facebook? No problem. Submissions can be sent via email to ScavengerHunt@nassaucountyny.gov with your name and #ShopSafeShopLocal in the subject line
- WINNERS: There will be one winner each day of the hunt for a total of seven winners. Each day, the first participant to correctly complete and submit their entry will receive a $100 gift card to a small business in their community, courtesy of the NCCC. If you’ve won once, you cannot win again.
- SHOP SAFE: Wear a mask. Only shop with members of your household. Shop online! See Nassau’s new directory of local online shops: www.nassaucountyny.gov/shoplocal.
