New Gift Card Looks To Spur Local Shopping In Downtown Farmington

FARMINGTON, MI — The Farmington Downtown Development Authority recently launched a new gift card program with a hope it'll encourage people to shop locally this holiday season and beyond.

The gift card can be used at several different downtown Farmington locations, including Tolonen Family Pet Shop, Dearborn Music and the Farmington Civic Theater. Overall, 15 retailers are participating in the program, but Downtown Development Authority director Kate Knight said she expects several more to join in the near future.

"The gift card is way to keep dollars local and encourage local shopping, as well as promoting small businesses," Knight said.

The gift card can be purchased online here in a variety amounts, including $5, $25, $50 or a custom amount. There is no physical card, rather the gift card will be purchased online and emailed to the recipient or yourself, Knight said. The recipient can either use an electronic version or print the card and use a paper version.

The gift card can be used at multiple locations and any refunds will be processed like a traditional credit card. There is also an online gift balance check for the card.

The program was started with the Yiftee platform, after seeing how well Royal Oak used the platform, Knight said.

While there are several shops Farmington and Farmington Hills, only businesses in Downtown Farmington are participating in the program, Knight said. Businesses farther west out of downtown along Grand River or south along Farmington Road are not part of the program.