{"id":75557,"date":"2023-07-19T07:00:18","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T14:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/?p=75557"},"modified":"2023-07-19T11:15:56","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T18:15:56","slug":"shop-long-beach-contest-in-full-swing-diners-and-shoppers-can-earn-up-to-1000-in-rewards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/shop-long-beach-contest-in-full-swing-diners-and-shoppers-can-earn-up-to-1000-in-rewards","title":{"rendered":"Shop Long Beach contest in full swing; diners and shoppers can earn up to $1,000 in rewards"},"content":{"rendered":"

As small businesses continue to rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic hit dining and retail stores, Long Beach has launched the Shop Long Beach program, which rewards customers shopping at more than 60 local businesses.<\/p>\n

The program kicked off with the “Small Biz Blitz” contest, which runs from July 1 until Sept. 3. During that time, customers can submit photos of their receipts from independent businesses to earn points and rewards.<\/p>\n

Inviting friends to participate will also rack up points. Prizes range from $500 and $1,000 in LocalCash (money that’s available in the contactless payment app from Localight, which is the program’s partner), rewards worth $20, and weekly prizes at local restaurants like $50 at Willmore Wine Bar and Buono’s Authentic Pizzeria. Over 100 people will receive prizes and rewards, according to a Localight spokesperson.<\/p>\n

The campaign aims to generate $1 million in additional local spending by incentivizing shoppers and diners to spend their money around town. Winners can begin using their rewards through a phased rollout across different neighborhoods throughout the summer.<\/p>\n

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Michael Baker, 67, cuts Vonell Garrett’s, 71, hair at Mr. Baker’s Style Center, which has been a Long Beach staple for 73 years, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Photo by Brandon Richardson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Pie Bar in Downtown is one of the dozens of businesses participating.<\/p>\n

“I joined the program because we love connecting with our neighbors,” The Pie Bar’s founder, Laurie Gray, said in a statement. “Small businesses grow and thrive on the support from those living and working in the local area. When you shop local, you\u2019re investing in your community and that benefits everyone.”<\/p>\n

Rewards spending will start Sept. 4, with a focus on North, West and Central Long Beach businesses to stimulate spending in areas the city has identified as low- and moderate-income areas with local businesses owners who identify as Black, Latino, Cambodian and Asian and Pacific Islander.<\/p>\n

Shoppers and diners can sign up\u00a0online<\/a> to see the over 50 participating businesses and register for the contest. Any independent merchant that hasn’t already signed up can join online<\/a> as well. Here’s some businesses that have joined:<\/p>\n