You can win prizes for shopping in Coquitlam this and next month through a holiday business push run by the city’s tourism division.
Gift cards of $50 will be awarded each week until Dec. 23 to social media followers of @visitcoquitlam who tag friends and share their gift ideas from Coquitlam stores as part of the municipality’s #SupportLocalCQ campaign.
Tourism manager Eric Kalnins said the drive is similar to last year as it aims to get people into Coquitlam shops rather than ordering online.
"This year is so much different than in December 2020," he said. "Then, no one was vaccinated and many were not ready to leave their homes, but now there’s more comfort as our vaccination rate is 90 per cent."
To help showcase local businesses and what they have to offer for the Christmas rush, Tourism Coquitlam has partnered with three social media influencers who are known for their expertise in food, fashion and pets.
Tina Gohar, a Gleneagle Secondary graduate who runs @Eat.Tri-Cities, will feature special food reviews, while Amazon associate @WearItLikeGrace will highlight the latest clothing trends that are offered in Coquitlam.
And @PawSwapApp, a Vancouver-based page that highlights dog-friendly businesses, places and events, will promote pet wares.
Their gift recommendations will also be posted on the city's website, which has now 80 businesses on its page (businesses that want to join in at no charge can register).
Meanwhile, at the end of the holiday campaign, the city will give away a grand prize of one night at the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam plus gift certificates to local businesses around the City of Coquitlam, Kalnins said.
"We really want people to get back into the bricks-and-mortar shops and to think about where they’re investing their dollars. Buying local helps the local economy."
