Love Local Revy keeps traffic flowing through shoulder season

Love Local Revy, Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce’s shop local businesses campaign is halfway over and businesses say it’s been a smashing success.

“There’s definitely a buzz,” Kristin Olsen, Fable Book Parlour co-owner and operator, told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “People seeing a contest and wanting to enter.”

Fable Book Parlour is one of 56 local businesses taking part in Love Local Revy. Running throughout May, participating businesses have a ballot box for customers who make a purchase to fill out their information for a chance to win one of six prize packs, each valued at $500 with items and gift certificates for Revelstoke businesses.

“I’m a sucker for not wanting to cook,” Diane Bull, co-owner of Style Trend Clothiers and The Annex told Revelstoke Mountaineer when asked what prize pack she’s keeping an eye on. “So, I think the foodie bundle is my top choice.”

Both Bull and Olsen said the prize packages feel like a way to thank local customers who shop Revelstoke businesses instead of online or in larger municipalities.

“We have some really great, loyal local customers,” Bull said. “Being able to reward them with contests like this, where they have a chance of winning some really great prizes, is super positive.”

The  campaign also seems to be providing businesses on First Street with a much needed boost as the city works to upgrade utilities, blocking road access to many storefronts along First Street.

“The town is quieter during this time already,” Olsen said. “People kind of get settled into their spring cleaning and spring modes.”

But folks are coming in despite the quieter season and the construction, eager to put their names in the ballot boxes, Olsen explained. Bull agreed, saying she’s been getting customers coming into Style Trend Clothiers hoping to learn what other businesses are participating.

Anyone who might miss out on May’s run of Love Local Revy are encouraged to keep their eyes out for a return of the campaign later on in the year. 
“We are set up to run Love Local Revy twice a year, with the potential for a third phase,” the Love Local Revy website states. “Our primary periods are the shoulder seasons, with a third, more flexible potential period that we can launch when we feel necessary.”