Newark-Specific eGift Card Program Kicks Off For Eateries, Shops

NEWARK, CA — The Newark eGift Card Marketplace, a joint effort from the City of Newark and the Newark Chamber of Commerce, is up and running — providing a one-stop, virtual shop to support local merchants, restaurants, services and entertainment venues.

Residents can go online here to purchase the eGift Cards from Newark businesses — many struggling as they weather the COVID-19 storm. The virtual cards can be used by the buyer, or sent as gifts, and then can be redeemed for goods and services at participating establishments.

“Newark chose this program because it helps businesses who are suffering in the pandemic and because everyone in our community can safely buy gifts to support our merchants, who have been hurting for several months," Newark's Community Development Director Steven Turner said.

For a limited time and while supplies last, "bonuses" can be added to purchases — such as buy a $20 eGift and get a $5 bonus, or a $40 eGift for a $15 bonus.

“This is a unique opportunity for small businesses in our community to keep their businesses alive,” said Richard Lipsit, a Newark Chamber of Commerce member. “This lets our community show support person by person, shop by shop.”

The Newark program is similar to GiftFremont, the program sponsored by the City of Fremont and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. Both use an online platform designed by Yiftee, a Silicon Valley-based company.

“We are proud to be a part of communities like Newark and Fremont where we can provide a platform to help their local shops and restaurants get through the pandemic," said Donna Novitsky, Yiftee co-founder and CEO. "We commend the highly diverse and dedicated team behind the Newark Marketplace that is engaging night and day in multiple languages to bring this to their community."

To purchase or learn more about the Newark eGift Card program, follow this link.

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