Merchants Promote Local Shopping

This holiday season, why stress over bumper-to-bumper traffic and jammed parking lots at the mall when you can shop in Laguna Niguel's 100-plus stores?

That's the message of “Shop Laguna Niguel,” a campaign sponsored by the through Dec. 31.

“We’re trying to encourage residents of Laguna Niguel to shop in Laguna Niguel because that money ultimately does come back to the city,” said chamber officer Steve Rettig.

To add incentive, the Chamber of Commerce will hold a drawing with prizes of three gift certificates for Laguna Niguel shops. To participate, residents need to keep their receipts showing the establishment’s address and take them to the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce office. People will get one drawing ticket for each receipt under $100 and 10 for each additional receipt above $100 spent in sales tax.

“For instance, you go to and get a box of nails, you get one ticket,” explained Rettig.

There is no limit to the number of entries. As long as you’re spending your money in Laguna Niguel, your chances of winning the $1,000, $500 or $250 gift certificate increases.

The drawings will be held on Jan. 13 at the . The last day to bring in your receipts is Jan. 10.