Initiative focuses on businesses along 422
Someone will win a gift card package as part of new business initiative to spotlight businesses.
POTTSTOWN » A “Shop Small to Win Big” initiative has been launched to shine a spotlight on small businesses along the 422 corridor — and to make someone a winner.
The initiative is being coordinated by Chris Lerch, director of marketing for SportsPlex Management Group, which owns the 422 SportsPlex in Pottstown. Lerch said it was created to support small businesses “along Route 422 between Pottstown and King of Prussia, and beyond,” as they navigate the challenges thrust upon them in the past month.
Whether they are closed due to Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that nonlife sustaining businesses must close, or open but operating differently — the spread of the coronavirus has left no small business in the region unaffected.
“It stemmed from me wondering ‘what could I do to help,’” Lerch said in a telephone interview.
For the past week or so, Lerch has been reaching out to businesses, asking them to donate a $100 gift card for their businesses. Those cards are being added to a (growing) prize package that will be given away to one lucky winner later this month.
The response from businesses has been very good he said. In fact, as of Friday afternoon, a total of 51 businesses had committed to the initiative — donating a total of $5,100 in gift cards to be given away as part of the prize package. He expects that number will continue to grow.
“In the early stages, it was mostly me reaching out to businesses and asking if they’d like to join, but now it’s mostly businesses contacting me because they’ve heard about the event on their own or through a friend,” Lerch said.
His initial goal was 30 businesses, which thought was a “lofty goal.” To be at 51 has exceeded his expectations.
“That said, I think it’s a really good opportunity for businesses to be part of something special that’ll boost sales for themselves,” he added.
To be eligible to win the prize package, entrants must make a $50 purchase from one of the participating businesses between April 20 and 26 — for a gift card, food, merchandise or future services.
Once a purchase is made — between April 20 and 26 only — a photo of the receipt needs to be submitted. It can be sent via a direct message through the Facebook page or emailed to clerch@ sportsplexmg.com. Lerch said people can enter multiple times with additional $50 purchases. The winner will be chosen April 27.
For Geri Zaccaria, owner of Barrister’s Bagels in Upper Providence and Pottstown, agreeing to participate was an easy decision.
“It gives me the opportunity to promote other people as well,” she said.
She added that the initiative is also a good way to let people know “we’re not going anywhere.” While Barrister’s is totally closed, for the time being, gift cards are available.
“We’re not closed because we’re failing, we’re going to be around when this is over. This is a temporary setback for us,” Zaccaria added.
Sue Kriebel, who owns Perk Valley Pet Eatery in Trappe, said her business has been offering curbside service only since March 17. She said there are challenges, but so far she has managed to keep her staff.
“Of course getting the word out about our business and what we’re doing was important to me, and I am always excited to share what other business are doing if it’s the right thing,” she said. “After talking with Chris and how it could benefit ours and all businesses, I thought it was a really great idea. And it’s really cool for the winner.”
Lerch launched a Facebook events page through the Hello422 Facebook page to kick off the initiative. All of the participating businesses are also promoting the event through their social media outlets and for some, through email.
Janeen Mitchell Algeo is the owner of Sweet Aloha Bowls in Royersford. Her business started as a food truck in 2016, and she opened her brick and mortar store in mid-2019. The pandemic forced her to close for more than two weeks before reopening for pickup only on April 1.
“Right now it is all about community and keeping morale up for businesses and communities,” she said. “For me — its morale boosting. If you go on social media it’s the news and it is what it is — happy or sad. This is one of the good news things you see,” she said.
Alex Gingold is the founder of DonutNV Franchising. He opened DonutNV Pottstown in 2018. Gingold said the Pottstown location has a new franchisee running the business: Daryl Poe took over in Dec. 2019.
Gingold said the shop is as “open as we can be.” Hours have been trimmed, and the location offers delivery and contactless curbside pickup.
He added that the “Shop Small To Win Big” effort gets people aware of businesses they might not have been aware of.
“A very nominal donation brings goodwill to the community,” he said. “There is no downside.”
Lisa Applegate opened Studio 36 Bead Shop and Artisan’s Gallery in 2018 on East High Street in Pottstown. She is currently offering mail order services only, but says she will be back when she can reopen. Applegate many small businesses are wondering how they’re going to make it.
“Don’t forget about small businesses. Buy a gift certificate now and use it later,” she said.
“I really just hope the event stirs a rush in local business support,” Lerch added. “It’s great to raise awareness for these businesses, but it’ll be even better to drive some much needed revenue for them,” Lerch added.
For more information about the Shop Small To Win Big initiative and a list of participating businesses visit https:// www.facebook.com/ Hello-422-107484017378117/ or www.hello422.com.