Ashland's Digital Gift Cards Support Local Businesses

Ashland’s town council announced at the end of June that a new community gift card program is giving residents, visitors, and newcomers a convenient way to support local businesses while strengthening the town’s vibrant downtown economy.

The initiative, powered by Yiftee, allows shoppers to purchase a single digital or printable gift card that can be redeemed at a growing network of participating businesses throughout Ashland. With more than a dozen local merchants already involved, and unlike traditional store-specific gift cards, the community card can be used at multiple participating retailers, restaurants, and service providers. Whether someone is looking for a meal at a local restaurant, or a unique specialty gift, the program encourages customers to explore businesses they may not have visited before.

Local business owners and community leaders see the initiative as more than just a convenient gift option. They believe it will help introduce new customers to Ashland’s independently owned businesses, including visitors and the town’s growing number of “come-heres”; the affectionate local term for those who have recently made Ashland their home. (I, myself, am a proud come-here.)

“It’s a win for everyone,” one participating merchant said. “Customers get flexibility, and we get foot traffic from people who might not have discovered us otherwise.”

Programs like this have become increasingly popular in communities across the country as small businesses look for creative ways to compete with large retailers and online shopping. By making it easier for residents to shop locally, organizers hope the gift cards will encourage repeat visits, strengthen relationships between customers and merchants, and keep spending within the local economy.

Yiftee simplifies the process for both shoppers and participating businesses. Gift cards can be purchased digitally, delivered instantly, and redeemed electronically, making them a convenient option for birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, employee recognition, or simply introducing someone to everything Ashland has to offer.

Organizers say the program is just getting started and hope to welcome additional businesses in the months ahead, expanding the number of places where cards can be redeemed and further strengthening the community-wide network.

For more information about which stores are accepting these cards, or if you are in the market to buy one for that special friend, you can go here: https://ashland.yiftee.com