WATCH: Woman Wins $100 in Gift Cards to Wyandotte Shops

Rose Cowie had never been inside until Wednesday afternoon when she and her daughter stopped in to do some Christmas shopping.

While she was in the mood to spend some money, she ended up receiving some.

At about 3:30 p.m., Natalie Rankine, director of Wyandotte's Downtown Development Authority, and Mayor Joseph Peterson surprised Cowie when they walked into the store carrying balloons, gift cards and tidings of comfort and joy.

Cowie was selected as this week's random winner of the Shop Downtown Wyandotte and Win contest. She received gift cards totaling $100 to five downtown businesses, including It All Makes Scents.

"This is wonderful," she said. "It really does make sense to be in here."

Minutes after receiving the gift cards, Cowie was already narrowing in on a few things she wanted to buy. While the trip that won her the contest was a spur-of-the-moment jaunt to downtown Wyandotte, she said, she now has a reason to plan a return visit.

"I'll be down here again," she said. "There are a few other (stores) I haven't been to. I will be back."

With , Peterson said, he was happy that a Wyandotte shopper was rewarded this week.

"Keep your money local and it's paying off," he told Cowie.

One lucky downtown shopper will be chosen randomly each week until Christmas .

This is the first year the Wyandotte DDA has sponsored the giveaway.

"Our hope is that this contest brings greater awareness to our small businesses in the district," Rankine said. "Shopping downtown can make a big difference in our local economy."

The next giveaway will occur sometime next week. To get in on the fun, there are three simple rules:

• Follow the Wyandotte DDA on Facebook and Twitter for clues on where and when the prize will be handed out.
• Shop during that time in retail outlets downtown.
• If you’re the lucky one spotted at the right time and the right place, you win.