City launches 'Gift Pleasanton'

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Pleasanton city officials unveiled their new “Gift Pleasanton” on Tuesday, aiming to incentivize residents to patronize local businesses by offering them a digital gift card after spending locally.

Similar to the program initiated in Livermore earlier this year, Gift Pleasanton will give patrons who buy one eGift card an additional eGift redeemable at any of the participating businesses — purchase a $25 eGift and get a $10 bonus eGift, buy one for $40 and get another $15 eGift, or purchase a $75 eGift and receive another $25 eGift.

“Even with the anticipated full reopening by the state in the coming weeks, local businesses will continue to look for support from the communities they serve. This new eGift card is an easy way for residents to keep their spending local, thereby helping to ensure the long-term vibrancy of Pleasanton’s community,” deputy city manager Pamela Ott told the Weekly.

The overarching theme of the program is to encourage residents to keep their spending in Pleasanton.

According to city officials, when a person shops locally, independent retailers recirculate 47% and restaurants recirculate 73% of revenues back into the community.

“All digital and always available on a mobile device, the new eGift card is perfect for upcoming celebrations for dads, grads, or for any occasion that can be sent to the recipient by email, text or printed copy along with an option to include a personal message,” city officials said.

So far 30 Pleasanton businesses are participating in Gift Pleasanton, and more are expected to join on an ongoing basis. The full list of participants, as well as how to purchase, can be found at inPleasanton.com.

Businesses interested in joining the program can sign up at bit.ly/GiftPleasantonBiz. There is no fee for merchants to participate, according to the city.