Merchants Launch Bag Promo

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Soon shoppers will be able to tote around their support for Windward businesses everywhere they go.

Created by Kailua Chamber of Commerce and Kaneohe Business Group, the “I LOVE WINDWARD -Shop Where You LOVE” campaign could generate thousands of dollars for both merchants and shoppers while raising awareness about local stores, supporters said. Participating stores will sell the sturdy, reusable, 100 percent cotton bags with an “I Love Windward” design on the outside and cards with promotional offers on the inside for a retail price of $9.99.

KCOC member Laurie Rodriguez said the plan has been in the works for a year, prompted by the question from both groups: “What are we really doing to help our small businesses?” This inaugural partnership is “an overall benefit of our entire Windward business community,” she noted.

The first 2,000 bags should go on sale by mid October, and a few thousand more will be available soon after that. Business participation is free; the only requirement is to provide promotional offers for shoppers.

Interested businesses and shoppers may sign up or order bags online at iLoveWindward.com.