The City of Indio has introduced an initiative named Open Rewards: Shop Local, aimed at bolstering the city's economic resilience and fostering a sense of local pride among residents. The initiative, accessible through a mobile application, allows residents to earn 5% cash back on products purchased from businesses in Indio.
A press release from the City of Indio clarified that the Open Rewards: Shop Local app is free to download and is compatible with both Apple and Android platforms. As an added incentive, the first 125 residents who sign up for the program will receive $20 in free rewards.
The same press release also noted that the Open Rewards: Shop Local program is entirely funded by the city. Businesses face no cost to join and are not required to take any action to redeem rewards for shoppers; this process is managed entirely by the app. Furthermore, local businesses can request complimentary promotional materials such as flyers, tent cards, and social media images.
After downloading the Open Rewards: Shop Local app and setting up an account, according to the City of Indio press release, residents can easily navigate to a directory of participating businesses. To redeem rewards, users simply need to upload their purchase receipts via the app.
"The City of Indio is committed to the success of our business community for both new and longstanding businesses and I am thrilled to see Indio spotlight the importance of shopping local," said Mayor Lupe Ramos Amith in a statement. "I encourage all of our residents to download this app today, take advantage of the fantastic rewards and play an active role in supporting the local businesses that take center stage in the City of Indio."
Bludot Technologies Inc., developer of the app, states on its website that many cities across America offer an Open Rewards: Shop Local program. Some examples include Lancaster (California), Diamond Bar (California), Antioch (California), Las Vegas (Nevada), Miramar (Florida), and Arlington (Virginia).