Staff
It seems many people are deciding to keep at least some of their holiday spending local this Christmas—buying up Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce gift certificates to give away as presents.
“We have been very busy,” Chamber manager Annely Armstrong noted yesterday.
“I have running around dropping them off, and we’ve had quite a few bigger orders,” she added.
In fact, Armstrong said she thought she had enough on hand to last through the end of 2012 but had to get more printed.
Employers are buying the gift certificates to give out to their employees, just as in past years.
But more and more individuals are choosing to buy gift certificates for their loved ones, “which is surprising,” she noted.
“There have been quite a few businesses. The ones that normally come have come again this year,” Armstrong said.
“We’ve had a few new ones, but it’s mainly individuals coming up and purchasing them.”
While it’s encouraging to see more people opting for Chamber gift certificates, Armstrong conceded the uncertain economy has had some effect on people’s giving.
“Smaller amounts on the gift certificates this year, that’s one thing I noticed,” she remarked. “Even the businesses, the dollar amount has gone down.
“But the individuals have picked up,” she added. “I think we’re doing really good.”
The public is welcome to drop by the Chamber office, located above the Northern Lights Credit Union, to buy gift certificates.
But Armstrong also has been out and about delivering them to people who work during the day—especially those working extended holiday hours—and can’t make it to the office during business hours.
She said she has no problem delivering gift certificates to those who buy them.
Those interested in getting Chamber gift certificates can call the Chamber at 274-5773 or Armstrong’s cellphone number (276-3580).
Chamber gift certificates are good at almost 50 local businesses.
They are available in any amount, and are perfect for that hard-to-buy-for person while keeping spending in the community at the same time.
The Chamber office will be open tomorrow (Dec. 21) from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and then Monday (Dec. 24) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
It then will be closed from Dec. 25-Jan. 2.
