Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington has officially launched the Shop Local Bloomington Card, a new digital community gift card designed to support local small businesses and keep spending within the city’s vibrant economy. In partnership with Yiftee, Inc., this program offers residents, visitors, employers, and organizations a simple, flexible way to promote local commerce year-round.
The Shop Local Bloomington Card works like any traditional gift card, but with a modern, digital twist. Buyers can purchase a card online through Yiftee’s Community Card platform, choose a dollar amount, and send it instantly to recipients via email or text. “Recipients can use the card at any participating Bloomington merchant, just as they would with a credit card,” the city notes, emphasizing that no special equipment is required for businesses to accept it. Participating businesses receive the full value of every purchase, ensuring that each transaction directly benefits the local economy.
The program is intended for a wide audience. Residents and visitors seeking a unique gift option can use the card to explore Bloomington’s shops, restaurants, and services. Employers and organizations can leverage it as a convenient tool for employee rewards, event incentives, or community giving initiatives. Universities, civic groups, and nonprofits can also participate, providing a straightforward way to support independent businesses while engaging their communities.
“Community gift card programs like this have been shown to generate new revenue for local businesses, increase corporate and institutional support of small businesses, encourage customers to discover new shops and restaurants, and multiply the local economic impact by circulating dollars through Bloomington,” city officials said. In other words, the Shop Local Bloomington Card not only provides a thoughtful gift option but also strengthens the overall health and resilience of the local economy.
The card is expected to foster connections between residents and local merchants, encouraging consumers to explore downtown Bloomington and other neighborhoods. As more businesses enroll in the program, the city anticipates a growing network of participating retailers, making it easier than ever for consumers to support small businesses with every purchase.
The Shop Local Bloomington Card program reflects a larger effort by the city to promote year-round local spending. By offering a digital, easy-to-use gift card, the initiative removes barriers to supporting small businesses, making it accessible for anyone, whether they are sending a gift to a friend or rewarding employees for their hard work. The city hopes that these small, repeated contributions will create a lasting impact on the economic ecosystem of Bloomington.
For those interested in participating, the Shop Local Bloomington Card is now available for purchase online. The list of participating merchants will continue to grow, encompassing shops, eateries, and services throughout the city. Businesses wishing to join the program can sign up through an online merchant form, and community members looking to learn more or get involved can contact Andrea de la Rosa at [email protected].
With the launch of the Shop Local Bloomington Card, residents, visitors, and organizations have a new, effective way to give back to the community. By keeping dollars circulating locally, the program not only supports independent businesses but also fosters a stronger, more connected Bloomington, where commerce and community thrive together.
For more information or to purchase a card, visit the Shop Local Bloomington Card online storefront at https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/city-of-bloomington–indiana.
