The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is debuting a new gift certificate “currency” program called Grow The (360), aimed at boosting the local economy and helping out businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through a portal on the chamber’s website at vancouverusa.com/growthe360, visitors will be able to purchase certificates in value increments from $5 to $50, which can be used at any participating merchant’s location, with no expiration date.
The certificates can be bought for personal use or given to others. They can be redeemed using a QR code system, allowing merchants to scan certificates on cell phones.
The program will run year-round, but it’s targeted at holiday shoppers, according to the chamber’s website, with the goal of providing gift-givers with an easy local gift card option to buy instead of gift cards for national chain brands.
Chamber member businesses including retailers, restaurants, spas and service providers can sign up to become participating merchants through the web portal.
