Shop small, earn rewards: New Richmond pilot program incentivizes shopping at local businesses

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond shoppers can earn rewards for shopping at local small businesses through a new pilot program.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, city officials announced the launch of "RVA Open Rewards," a customer rewards program that's "designed to drive traffic to neighborhood businesses, strengthen the local economy and reward residents for shopping local," per a press release.

Through RVA Open Rewards, which is hosted on the Bludot Open Rewards app, shoppers at participating Richmond businesses can earn rewards on every purchase they make. These rewards are credited automatically and they come at no cost to either the shopper or the business, the city said.

Getting started with RVA Open Rewards is pretty straightforward. Those interested just need to download the Bludot Open Rewards App, then either upload their receipts after shopping or link their purchasing card. Rewards can then be redeemed in the app.

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This pilot launch includes businesses in the Brookland Park, Carytown, Manchester and Shockoe districts, as well as Downtown, including historic Monroe and Jackson Ward, City Center and the Arts District. A variety of businesses are represented, from retail to dining to personal services.

If you are a local business that's interested in participating in RVA Open Rewards, you can request to be added by filling out this interest form.

“Richmond’s small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Mayor Danny Avula in the release. “RVA Open Rewards gives residents a simple, meaningful way to invest in the places that make Richmond unique.”

Additionally, to celebrate the launch of RVA Open Rewards, the city is hosting an inaugural "Love Shopping Local Week." From Feb. 11 through 18, RVA Open Rewards will offer customers an additional 1% cash back on their purchases. The standard reward is 5%, meaning it will be 6% during this celebratory week.

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For more information on how Richmond is supporting small businesses across the city, click here.