Visit Milwaukee announced today the launch of the Buy Local Bonus Campaign, an initiative of the Visit Milwaukee Foundation created to bring real and timely revenue to Milwaukee restaurants, bars, retailers, and breweries during a time that has proven challenging for some area businesses. Designed in response to conversations with local businesses who reported slower holiday activity and increased financial strain, and with just days remaining in the holiday shopping season, the campaign is intended to generate immediate purchasing activity and quick cash flow for participating businesses.
From December 15-24, shoppers who make an in-person purchase of $25 or more in gift cards at any of the participating Visit Milwaukee partner businesses will receive a free $25 gift from that business. The effort is designed to drive a substantial boost in end-of-year sales while encouraging residents and visitors to support local during the season's final shopping period.
“Milwaukee businesses are essential to the strength and character of our community, and many have told us that this holiday season is more difficult than expected,” said Josh Albrecht, chief marketing office at Visit Milwaukee. “The Buy Local Bonus Campaign provides immediate revenue to participating partners and creates a reason for shoppers to choose Milwaukee-owned restaurants, bars, retailers and more during a season that it typically critical for sales. This is a tangible way for Visit Milwaukee to support our partners at a moment when extra purchasing activity can make a real difference.”
The campaign is intentionally structured to guarantee revenue for participating partners while removing administrative burdens. Through the program, Visit Milwaukee is investing a total of $25,000 in $25 gift cards purchased directly from participating businesses. Shoppers who make a qualifying in-person gift card purchase will receive one of these prepaid gift cards directly from the establishment. Once the company has distributed all prepaid cards, the promotion concludes at that location. This simple structure ensures that every participating business receives immediate financial support along with increased foot traffic and visibility.
Businesses included in the Buy Local Bonus Campaign will receive promotional support highlighting their participation. With no cost to participating businesses, the program also creates opportunities for partners to welcome new customers while increasing year-end sales.
“The Buy Local Bonus Campaign is a meaningful investment in the small business community that shapes the Milwaukee experience,” added Albrecht. “This initiative supports the places that give our city its sense of place and its personality. We encourage shoppers throughout the region to take part and help strengthen the businesses that define Milwaukee.
The Visit Milwaukee Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the Milwaukee region’s hospitality community and providing resources and opportunities to help them thrive. The foundation focuses on two main initiatives: A Scholarship Program for students pursuing careers in the hospitality field; and an Emergency Relief Fund to support businesses in need after unforeseen, extraordinary events. Visit Milwaukee believes in strengthening our community by investing in the future of our hospitality industry and ensuring that those in our field can continue to flourish even in the toughest of circumstances. The foundation is funded from proceeds coming from the Christian Yelich Home Plate Charity Concert and the Greater Milwaukee Hospitality Open.
- 414loral
- AntetokounBros
- Bandit MKE
- Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
- Cafe Corazon
- Casera Cafe & Bakery
- Cousins Subs
- Delicious Bites
- Eldr+Rime
- Flowers for Dreams
- Forage Kitchen
- The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin
- HoneyBee Sage Apothecary & Wellness Cafe
- Maxie's
- MobCraft Beer
- NorthSouth Club
- Oak Barrel Public House
- Pilot Project Brewing
- POP
- Red Lion Pub on Tannery Row
- Refresh Vintage
- Rise & Grind Cafe - King Drive
- Sprecher Brewery
- Sprocket Cafe
- Summer of '85
- Bronzeville Collective MKE
- Third Space Brewing
- Torzala Brewing Co.
- Urbaine Oasis Spa Boutique
- Who's on Third
- Wizard Works Brewing
To learn more or schedule an interview about the Buy Local Bonus campaign, contact Claire Koenig (ckoenig@milwaukee.org; 414-520-6708). To download campaign graphics, click here.