Shopping local is about more than where a purchase happens. It’s about keeping dollars moving through the community and supporting the businesses, employees, and experiences that make Steamboat Springs unique.

The Steamboat Springs Chamber Gift Card Program, Yiftee, makes it easy for residents and visitors to spend at participating local restaurants, retailers, service providers, and other businesses. For participating merchants, the program creates another opportunity to welcome customers while being part of a community-wide effort to strengthen the local economy.

Local Spending in Motion

The program is already showing the impact of local spending.

Year to date:

  • 414 Chamber Gift Cards have been redeemed
  • $18,460 has been spent at participating merchants
  • $12,401 of that spending came from Routt County residents

 

Chamber Gift Cards have been used at businesses throughout Steamboat, with top redemption locations including Steamboat Ace Hardware, Johnny B. Good's Diner, Yampa Sandwich Company, Big House Burgers, and Ski Haus.

Each redemption represents a customer choosing a local business.

But the value of the program goes beyond the transaction.

Turning Tourism Into Local Spending

For Retreatia, the Chamber Gift Card Program is a way to connect visitors with the businesses and experiences that make Steamboat special.

This summer, Retreatia offered guests who booked qualifying stays a complimentary $50 Chamber Gift Card to use at participating local businesses. The company purchased 40 Chamber Gift Cards as part of the promotion.

"We wanted to create a promotion that provided extra value for our guests while also encouraging them to explore and support the Steamboat community," said Viktorija Hristovska, President of Retreatia.

For Retreatia, encouraging visitors to spend locally helps create a stronger connection between tourism and the local economy.

"Local businesses are a vital part of what makes Steamboat Springs such a special destination," Hristovska said. "By encouraging guests to spend locally, we are helping support the restaurants, shops, attractions, and service providers that create memorable experiences for visitors and contribute to the strength of our community."

Bringing Customers Through the Door

At Paws 'n Claws, the Chamber Gift Card Program provides a different kind of opportunity. The program can introduce new customers to the business while also helping loyal customers [CB1] offset the cost of everyday pet purchases.

"Participating in the Chamber Gift Card Program has been a great way to introduce new customers to Paws 'n Claws, but just as importantly, it benefits the loyal customers who already shop with us," said Eli Campbell, Owner of Paws 'n Claws.

The business has also found that customers are more willing to try something new when they have a Chamber Gift Card, from a special toy or premium treat to an enrichment product or supplement.

"Chamber Gift Cards don't just help bring people through our doors. They create opportunities for discovery, education, and new experiences that keep customers coming back long after the gift card has been spent," Campbell said.

For Paws 'n Claws, participating is also about supporting the broader business community.

Campbell follows up with, "I firmly believe that the success of one local business benefits us all.”

Be A Part of the Local Spending Network

The Chamber Gift Card Program works because businesses across Steamboat participate. When more merchants join, customers have more places to spend these dollars, and more local businesses have an opportunity to benefit.

Interested in becoming a participating merchant? Learn more about the program here.