Collingswood Gives Away Free Money on Saturday

Collingswood is giving away free money this Saturday, a week before the holiday shopping season gets underway.

The eighth annual Collingswood Cash sale is Saturday, Nov. 21. It commences with a tailgate party presented by the borough and Camden County outside Borough Hall at 6:30 a.m.

Shoppers flock to Collingswood for the yearly “free money” giveaway, lining up in all kinds of weather as early as 6 a.m.

This year Collingswood Partners will give away $45,000 to patrons of Collingswood businesses. Shoppers that purchase $50 in Collingswood Cash –the Borough’s equivalent to a mall gift card– will receive an additional $20 to spend anywhere in town.

The bonus cash is limited and in recent years long lines for the giveaway have started at the crack of dawn.

“If the hardcore bargain hunters are willing to wait in line, we’re going to make it fun,” Collingswood Director of Community Development Cass Duffey said. “Fun is what we do best.”

Festivities kick off with music and games for guests. WXPN will be broadcasting live and keeping crowds entertained. They’re also bringing the WMGK cash cube and giving guests the opportunity to go in and grab hundreds of extra dollars that morning.

There will be multiple giveaways per hour including concert tickets, sports goods and sports memorabilia courtesy of Memorabilia for Charities, tailgating gear and Collingswood themed merchandise.

Organizers will also host games and provide patio heaters, breakfast snacks and drinks to keep folks warm and happy.

“Last year’s party was a blast,” Collingswood Mayor James Maley said. “We gave folks an event and they added to it, bringing heaters, coming out in groups and sharing good spirit. We’re hoping to build on that atmosphere even more.”

The Borough will sell $112,500 worth of Collingswood Cash and give away $45,000 meaning that in less than two hours there will be more than $150,000 in the hands of shoppers that can only be used in Collingswood.

Shoppers that buy a max of $400 during the promotion receive a bonus $160 to spend in town. The bonus money is limited and has traditionally sold out in less than two hours.

Doors open when Collingswood Cash sales officially start at 9 a.m.

Over the past seven years, more than half a million dollars’ worth of Collingswood Cash has been sold to spend at local shops during the holidays.

The promotion comes with a coupon book filled with additional offers from more than two dozen Collingswood shops, restaurants and services, deepening the discounts.

The event takes place a week before Shop Local Saturday with the hopes that shoppers will patronize Collingswood for their holiday gifts, parties, appointments and necessities.

In 2015, all Collingswood Cash bonus money will be sold at Collingswood Borough Hall, 678 Haddon Avenue.

Tailgate guests can use #CollsCashTailgate and #ShopCamdenCounty to share about the event on social media.

The attached images were provided by the Borough of Collingswood