Buy Local Bonus 2024

Buy Local Bonus Returns for its Fifth Year!

The City of San Luis Obispo is partnering with the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce to bring back the Buy Local Bonus program for the fifth year in a row. Local businesses and shoppers will have the opportunity to participate in SLO's original Support Local program this holiday season.

This shop local incentive puts money back in business owners' pockets through the purchase of gift cards. Those gift cards are then given to shoppers who turn in local receipts totaling $100 or more from local retailers. 

Buy Local Bonus will run from Black Friday on November 29 through Christmas Eve on December 24, 2024, while supplies last. 

Quick Link: 

For Shoppers

For Businesses:

If you are a local retail, restaurant, fitness or personal service business in the city of SLO — the City will purchase $625 in gift cards from you to be handed out to qualified shoppers during the program. Complete the Business Buy-in Form to apply.

To qualify for this program, the business must: 

  • be a local retail, restaurant, fitness, or personal service business in the city of SLO  
  • hold a current San Luis Obispo city business license  
  • have a physical location or storefront within city limits  
  • have the ability to sell and redeem gift cards/certificates    

BUSINESS BUY-IN FORM 

 

If your business qualifies, you will be contacted by the SLO Chamber of Commerce with a confirmation and asked to deliver your twenty-five $25 gift cards to the Visitor Center with an invoice for payment. From there, we encourage participating businesses help the City spread the word about the program with the provided toolkit. 

The spirit of this program is to support small, local businesses. If your business fits this description, or if you know one that does, please pass this opportunity along! 

Business Toolkit

In this toolkit you will find everything you need to communicate with your customers about how to shop small this holiday season! From printable fliers to ready-to-use social and email content to updated parking and event information – we've got you covered! 

Download the Business Toolkit

Please help us spread the word far and wide on all the different ways to support and enjoy SLO. Resources included are for the following programs:

  • Buy Local Bonus 
  • Downtown SLO Holiday Happenings
  • Parking during the holidays

For Shoppers:

Buy Local Bonus is your chance to be rewarded for spending your dollars locally this holiday season! Starting November 29, 2024, spend $100 or more on gifts at any retail business in the City of SLO and receive a $25 gift card to another local business.  

Here’s how to get your gift card: 

1. Shop Locally! 

  • Spend $100 or more at local retailers on gifts in the City of San Luis Obispo on or after November 29, 2024.  
  • Receipts must be readable and itemized. Date, name of the business, and the full total must be included. 
  • Receipts may be cumulative but can only be redeemed within the duration of the program.  
  • Taxes, delivery fees, and shipping are not eligible for the purchase total. 
  • Only purchases of retail items qualify.  

2. Bring your receipt(s) to the SLO Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center by 4 PM on 12/24/2024. 

895 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Sunday - Wednesday, 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Thursday - Saturday, 9:30 AM - 6 PM 
(805)-781-2777

3. Get your gift card! All gift cards must be picked up in person from the SLO Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. 

Buy Local Bonus will continue until funds are exhausted. Shoppers are allowed to qualify up to three separate times to receive a $25 gift card. Other rules and restrictions apply.

Please note: Business must be located within San Luis Obispo city limits to qualify for receipt qualification from shoppers and for Business Buy-In participation. The following business types do not meet the requirements for receipt qualification or Business Buy-In: Big box stores; Convenience + Drug Stores; Grocery/Supermarket; Lodging; Fueling or gas stations.

If you have additional questions, please email SUPPORTSLO@SLOCITY.ORG. 

Free Parking Downtown!

Beginning on Thanksgiving Day 2024, residents and guests can enjoy free parking in downtown structures on select days throughout the holiday season. It’s the City’s gift to the community to help support local businesses and encourage everyone to celebrate the season together downtown.

Free Parking is available on the following days during the 2024 holiday season in all three public parking garages (842 Palm Street, 919 Palm Street, and 871 Marsh Street):

Thanksgiving through the following Sunday (November 28 - December 1)

48th Annual Holiday Parade (after 6 PM)

Every Sunday in December (December 7, 14, 21 & 28)

December 24 - 26

New Year’s Eve (December 31)

New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)

For more details about free parking downtown, visit slocity.org/Parking or email parkinginfo@slocity.org.

FAQs for Shopper Participation

What are the participating businesses in the Buy Local Bonus?
How long is the program running?
Can a purchase before November 29, 2023 count for the promotion?
How many times can I qualify for the promotion?
Can I use a receipt more than once/can a receipt be used for multiple entries if it’s over $100?
Does the entire $100 have to be on a single receipt?
How do I get a gift card?
What types of purchases count toward the $100 qualification for the Buy Local Bonus promotion?
What types of purchases do not count toward the $100 qualification for the Buy Local Bonus promotion?
Can I turn in my meal or coffee receipts during Buy Local Bonus?
Does the purchase of a gift card qualify for Buy Local Bonus?
Do my online purchases count?

Still have questions? Feel free to email us at supportslo@slocity.org.