Businesses in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island are implementing an innovative strategy to draw holiday shoppers into their downtown stores this season. The initiative focuses on offering discounted local gift cards as part of a broader effort to support smaller retailers and keep consumer spending within the community.
Boosting Local Economy Through Strategic Discounts
The program, reported by Maria Sarrouh on November 23, 2025, represents a coordinated effort among Charlottetown merchants to compete with larger retail chains and online shopping alternatives. By providing special discounts on locally-purchased gift cards, businesses aim to create additional incentive for residents to shop within their own community during the crucial holiday spending period.
This approach not only benefits consumers through immediate savings but also ensures that a greater percentage of holiday spending circulates within the local economy. The timing is particularly strategic, coming during the peak shopping season when consumer decisions can significantly impact annual revenues for small businesses.
Supporting Independent Retailers During Critical Season
For smaller stores in Charlottetown, the holiday season represents a make-or-break period that often determines their financial stability for the entire year. The gift card discount program serves as a targeted response to economic challenges facing independent retailers, including competition from big-box stores and e-commerce giants.
Local business owners hope that by attracting customers through discounted gift cards, they can introduce shoppers to the unique products and personalized service that distinguish downtown stores from larger competitors. The initiative also encourages repeat business, as recipients of the gift cards will return to redeem them at participating locations.
The program's success could set a precedent for other Canadian communities seeking to strengthen their local retail sectors while preserving the unique character of their downtown shopping districts.
