Chamber Launches Inaugural Holiday Shopping Trail

Eastern CT – The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT is pleased to present the inaugural Holiday Shopping Trail, sponsored by Comcast Business. The Trail, which encourages eastern CT residents and visitors to shop small and explore their local business communities, will commence on Small Business Saturday (November 24) and runs until Sunday, December 9.
 
During this time, shoppers across eastern CT can participate by picking up a free Holiday Shopping Trail “passport” from one of the ninety-five businesses, venues, restaurants, or attractions involved throughout the region.
 
The Holiday Shopping Trail features businesses located in Chester, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Mystic, the Stoningtons, New London, Waterford, Niantic, East Lyme, Colchester, Montville, Ledyard, Mashantucket, Groton, Norwich, Preston, Plainfield, Willimantic, Windham, Voluntown, Coventry, Chaplin, Manchester, Tolland, Mansfield, Pomfret, Woodstock, and Putnam.
 
For a complete list of participating venues, visit ChamberECT.com/holiday-shopping-trail.
 
During the two-week program, shoppers can accumulate stickers in their passports by visiting participating businesses. Shoppers can collect bonus stickers by spending $10.00 or more in the course of each visit. These stickers enter shoppers into a drawing to win over fifty great prizes. Only five stickers are needed to be eligible for the chance to win most prizes.
 
Prizes include: free round trip airfare to Ireland, courtesy of Aer Lingus (Grand Prize, twenty stickers required); a free day trip for two in 2019, courtesy of Tours of Distinction (Second Prize, twelve stickers required); gift certificates; gift baskets; gadgets; home items; and holiday-themed gifts.
 
Completed passports can be dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT’s office (914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 206, Waterford, CT 06385), mailed to the office (postmarked by December 14), or dropped off at a participating business on the Holiday Shopping Trail. 

“We’re very excited to present this program to the entire eastern CT community free of charge,” said Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT President & CEO Tony Sheridan. “Our goal is to encourage shoppers to patronize local establishments and explore their neighborhoods, and perhaps even visit somewhere new. Eastern CT is home to an incredible variety of businesses and retail locations, and the Holiday Shopping Trail is one way we can support them and boost the region’s economy in a unique, fun way.” 

The Holiday Shopping Trail was developed completely in-house by Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT staff, who initiated this effort to support the region’s entire business community. The program is made possible with the support of Comcast Business. Local partners, assisting in logistical support, include the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce, Windham Arts, the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, New London Main Street, and the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition.
 
For more information about the Holiday Shopping Trail, or to learn about the Chamber’s business and community-related services, visit ChamberECT.com or call (860) 701-9113.  About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.ChamberECT.com.