St. Stephen To Introduce Downtown Dollars

On a smaller scale, Downtown St. Stephen is joining its counterparts in Saint John and Fredericton by offering downtown dollars.

Heather Donahue says they are just trying to find ways to keep the money downtown.

“Our dollars are universal gift certificates and they can be used just like cash at any of the participating businesses,” Donahue said, “it’s not just retail. People could be these dollars and they can be applied to services such as lawyers, accountants. We have a plumbing business downtown.”

As of Monday, Donahue says 10 St. Stephen businesses had signed up to take part.

She says Downtown St. Stephen has been considering this for a few years now.

“We are introducing a new website, the two of them are being launched together at the Shop Local Festival this weekend. This will be the first presentation of the dollars.” Donahue said.