Long Branch Now Paying Its Residents To Shop Local

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Everyone says "shop local," but this year the city of Long Branch will actually give local residents cash back if they can prove they did it.

On Tuesday, Long Branch Mayor John Pallone announced the launch of "Shop Local, Spend and Win" for the 2020 holiday season.

The concept is easy: Residents have to submit receipts to the city showing they spent at least $10 at five different Long Branch businesses, totaling $50, and in return they will be given a $25 gift card.

This is the first year Long Branch is doing this. The money is coming from the federal CARES Act, passed earlier this year to help America's towns and businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic and shutdowns. As Patch reported in September, the city of Long Branch received $374,654 in CARES Act funding, and Monmouth County receive its own separate $4 million.

"In an effort to help our business community and to give back to our residents we want everyone to Shop Local in Long Branch this holiday season," said Pallone in a press release announcing the initiative. "We are helping our businesses and at the same participants can get a $25 gift card. It's a win-win."

Any Long Branch business will be accepted and one gift card will be given per person. Only Long Branch city residents are eligible.

Submissions must be mailed to the Office of Economic and Community Development at 344 Broadway Long Branch NJ 07740 by 1/1/21. You must also submit your name, address and phone number and a copy of each receipt.

There will be 50 winners. Questions? Call Long Branch Community Development at 732-923-2043.