Gift Cards, Prizes Up For Grabs For NYers Who Shop Local: Mayor

NEW YORK, NY — Stopping by your local dry cleaners, pharmacy or favorite restaurant could mean $50 or another prize in your pocket the next few weeks, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The mayor announced a 30-day challenge Tuesday that asks New Yorkers to shop local for the chance to win $50 gift cards and other prizes from the city's Small Business Services agency.

The "Shop Your City" challenge will have New Yorkers enter by sending in photos of them shopping at their favorite small businesses.

"Get out there, shop in your city [and] show us," de Blasio said. "We want to challenge New Yorkers to think about how you spend your money — keep it in the community and we want to reward you for that."

The initiative is aimed at helping New York City small businesses continue their rebound from the financial strain of the coronavirus crisis. Revenue for small businesses has declined by at least 50 percent across the five boroughs since 2020, according to a report from Comptroller Scott Stringer earlier this year.

"The comeback of New York city depends on economic revitalization of our small businesses," said Melba Wilson, president of the New York City Hospitality Alliance. "We are encouraging you to put the big box stores aside for a minute and focus on the businesses within your community."

For more information about the initiative, including a map of small businesses in your area, click here.