The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Fairfield has announced an exciting new initiative to help support our local business community: the Fairfield Community e-Gift Card program. “During these difficult times, and now more than ever, the objective is to keep spending local, and ramp up our continued support of the Fairfield business community,” said Beverly Balaz, president of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. “And not only during the upcoming 2020 holiday season, but beyond.”

Exclusive to Fairfield businesses only, this is the first digital gift card program to be redeemable at multiple local participating restaurants, florists, salons, retailers, and service providers. No more forgotten gift cards buried at home! The e-gift card is convenient and useable via a smart phone, where users are reminded with alerts to redeem the gift card at participating businesses. The back-end operation system is through Yiftee, where analytics will track and show redemption dollars coming into Fairfield every month.  

Currently, there are 60 Fairfield businesses registered, with new ones being added every day. No special equipment or software is required, so if a business accepts Mastercard payments, then it can accept the Fairfield Community e-Gift Card. Merchants receive 100% of the sale. There is a nominal enrollment fee for a 12-month long listing, and the Early Bird Enrollment Discount has been extended through October 30. All Gift Card purchases and business enrollments can be processed through the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce website at FairfieldCTChamber.com/GIFTCARDS.

“Fairfield businesses are the foundation of our local economy and community,” said Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick. “It has been a difficult road since the pandemic hit, and we all appreciate how residents supported our local businesses during this challenging time. The holidays are coming, and with them gift giving. This program will allow residents an opportunity to support local restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores.”

The community is encouraged to participate by purchasing an e-Gift Card for themselves, or to send as a gift during the holidays, or for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. Completely contactless, an online purchase can be made and there is a variety of denomination selections up to $250.00. The purchase of the e-Gift Card is face value, plus a processing fee. 

E-Gift Card recipients will receive an email or text letting them know that the purchaser has sent them a Fairfield Community e-Gift Card, with an optional personal message from the purchaser. The recipient is directed to a list of participating merchants, retailers, and restaurants that accept the Fairfield Community e-Gift Card. The purchaser will receive notifications when the e-Card is delivered, opened, and redeemed. 

“Encouraging our community to shop local has always been an ongoing theme, but even more so, especially in the wake of Covid-19. While local businesses work hard to reopen safely, many of us are wondering what we can do to help,” said director of Community and Economic Development Mark Barnhart. The Fairfield Community e-Gift Card makes it easy for all of us to play a role in boosting our local economy and strengthening our business community.” 

Bankwell is proud to partner with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and Town of Fairfield, as the Lead Corporate Sponsor of the Fairfield Community e-Gift Card program.

To show your support and purchase an e-Gift Card, or enroll your business, please visit FairfieldCTChamber.com/GIFTCARDS. For more information, contact the Chamber office: 203-255-1011.