From downtown to Aspen Grove, Littleton shoppers have plenty of local stores and businesses to choose from.
A new city-administered program aims to reward Littleton shoppers and encourage them to keep their businesses local.
“Open Rewards” is run by the city’s economic development champions. The app-based program gives shoppers 5% back on purchases at participating local businesses, and the rewards can be used back in the community.
“This app is all about rewarding customers who choose to spend their money locally and encouraging them to come back and do it again and again,” said Jamie Kraut, an urban economic development specialist.
How to use
Littleton launched the program in September in partnership with a technology company called Bludot. Across the United States, 11 cities support local shopping using the company’s app.
This program provides additional marketing opportunities for businesses that owners do not have to manage or pay for.
“This is also very beneficial for businesses because this is all happening outside of their area. It’s happening throughout the city,” Kraut said. “They don’t have to do anything, but customers can earn rewards by shopping where they are.”
Kraut said more than 450 people have used the app as customers so far, and he hopes more will sign up.
Customers do not need to live in Littleton to participate in the program.
To participate, customers can download the Open Rewards app and link a credit card or upload a receipt from a local purchase, Kraut said. Customers can earn rewards based on the amount they spend on local purchases.
Once the offer is ready to be applied, the customer can go to the app and select the purchase they want to redeem the offer for.
Kraut said the city is investing $20,000 in the program for 2023 incentives and plans to add another $20,000 in 2024 to continue the program.
The city pays just over $1,000 a year for the software, she added.
The value of local businesses
Kraut said the city believes it is important to support small businesses.
“Our small businesses are a big part of Littleton,” she said. “They boost our economy. They create an environment for people to come and enjoy the city they live in.”
So far, about 160 companies have participated in the program, Kraut said.
To qualify, businesses must be small, retail-based, and locally owned and operated. For companies with multiple locations, all branches must be located within Colorado.
According to the program’s website, service-based businesses, franchises, and businesses without a brick-and-mortar location are not eligible to participate in the program at this time.
During the special campaign, the city may change the reward percentage, Kraut said. Until January 8th, shoppers can earn his 15% off holiday season offer. He said the city may also increase compensation during Small Business Week and Littleton Restaurant Week.
Kraut said he hopes the program will create a friendly environment in the city by offering programs that benefit local business owners without asking for anything in return.
He said he hopes the program will be easy for customers to use and will help residents enjoy their city.
“Littleton is such a great place to live,” Ms. Kraut said. “It’s a great place to work. There are a lot of benefits, so we want to retain our people. We want them to be able to walk from store to store and enjoy their time there.”
Kraut said the city has attempted to contact all eligible businesses to participate in the program. If you have a business that you think meets the eligibility requirements and would like to participate, please contact the Economic Development Department at economicdev@littletongov.org or 303-734-8094, Kraut said.