Shop for a Chance to Win Five Grand!

Owasso Christmas in July customers will be entered to win $5,000 beginning July 1.

The Christmas in July event is held every year in Owasso to promote shopping during the summertime, a time of the year when companies may experience less business than usual. Owasso Chamber of Commerce President Gary Akin says, “There’s a general understanding that when school is out and people are on vacation, sales drop.” Beginning July 1 and continuing through July 28, shoppers may “shop ‘til they drop” at participating businesses and enter in the grand prize drawing.

The retail trade campaign was originally held during the Christmas shopping season, however, many merchants felt too busy with the rush of the holidays to implement the program. The event was later changed to take place in July. Akin says, “We decided to turn it into a community-wide campaign to build and stimulate sales in July.” Over 70 businesses participated last year, and many merchants and shoppers look forward to participating in the event once again. While companies look forward to the extra business, shoppers are excited about the many opportunities to win $5,000.

Christmas in July’s concept is simple. Each merchant is given double-stubbed tickets to distribute to customers throughout the event. Generally, customers receive one ticket for every $10 spent at participating merchants, and each ticket’s double is put into a drawing box. In businesses like fast food restaurants where many purchases are less than $10, patrons will receive one ticket for each transaction. As a result, more purchases made by shoppers results in more drawing entries.

Christmas in July offers endless benefits for both shoppers and merchants. While the campaign is a simple and successful way for businesses to gain publicity and patrons, shoppers are given the opportunity to win $5,000 just by carrying on with their daily shopping. Many customers choose to wait until July to purchase larger items such as televisions and other electronics that generate many drawing entries. Businesses are provided with a great deal of advertising, as well, which also informs customers about participating merchants. Other than attending the grand prize drawing, there is no extra effort required of patrons.

A drawing will be held Saturday, July 28, during the Owasso Chamber of Commerce’s annual auction. Held at the Owasso High School gymnasium, the drawing will reveal the winning number of one lucky shopper’s ticket. The winner will be awarded the grand prize of $5,000. The winning ticket must be present to win. Attendees are invited to participate in the auction, as well, and bid on a variety of items. A few of this year’s auction items include orthodontic services, a Lasik procedure, vacation packages, a pre-owned automobile, jewelry, electronics, sporting event packages and much more.

Owasso’s Christmas in July is an event not to miss. Get your shopping out of the way while entering to win $5,000. Visit the Owasso Chamber of Commerce online at www.owassochamber.com for a list of participating merchants.

For more information, contact

Owasso Chamber of Commerce

315 S. Cedar, Owasso, OK 74055

(918) 272-2141