MONROE — Main Street Monroe has created a new promotion to help businesses in the district even while many are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Main Street has created a system for people to purchase gift certificates and tip their bartenders, hair stylists, manicurists, etc. Gift certificates and tips are purchased online through Main Street; with Main Street covering all transaction fees. People designate where and to whom they want the gift certificate to go to. They will then be emailed a gift certificate; it can be printed out and used after the store reopens if the store isn’t currently open. 

In keeping with the name, Main Street Rocks: Share the Love, Main Street is adding $10 for every $20 spent. These additional funds are from a donation that Main Street received late last year. Purchasers may choose to have the additional funds added directly to their gift certificates or have the additional funds go to the store as a donation. 

“Our goal is to create an avenue for people to support businesses now and offer them an easy way to do it,” stated Jordan Nordby, executive director. Emphasizing that the entire process is contactless, Nordby also noted that businesses will receive checks the same week as gift certificates are purchased creating much needed cashflow.

This past weekend, which was the program’s first, resulted in over 50 gift certificates being purchased for nearly 30 different businesses. 

Nordby anticipates the program continuing until after stores have reopened. 

Along with working with community partners, like the city and state Main Street Program, Main Street Monroe is also scheduling additional online LIVE! Facebook shopping sessions, one on one consulting and planning for what the summer season may look like. 

Find out more about the program and purchase gift certificates by visiting www.mainstreetmonroe.org. Questions may be directed to Nordby at 608-328-4023.