August may be one of the quietest months of the year for many local businesses, but a new community-wide initiative is aiming to change that.
The Aberdeen Summer Passport invites residents and visitors to explore Aberdeen’s locally owned businesses throughout August while earning chances to win a $500 Visa Gift Card, sponsored by First Bank.
The concept is simple: make qualifying purchases at participating businesses and scan each location’s unique QR code using your smartphone to earn entries into the grand prize drawing. Whether you’re picking up your weekly coffee, getting your regular haircut, shopping for a birthday gift, enjoying an ice cream cone, dining with friends, or treating yourself to something special, your everyday purchases become opportunities to support local businesses and be rewarded for doing so.
To earn an entry, customers must spend $25 or more at participating retailers, restaurants, and service businesses. At participating coffee shops and ice cream shops, a purchase of $10 or more qualifies for an entry. Participants may also earn an entry by making a $25 donation to the Aberdeen Postmaster’s House during the campaign. After making a qualifying purchase or donation, participants simply scan the business’ or organization’s unique QR code to receive their entry. All prize entries will be verified using purchase receipts or donation records prior to awarding prizes.
The Aberdeen Summer Passport was created by Amanda Jakl, co-owner of Purple Thistle Kitchen + Co., to encourage residents and visitors to keep their dollars local during one of the slowest retail months of the year.
“This campaign isn’t about asking people to spend more,” Jakl said in a news release. “It’s about celebrating the purchases people are already making and encouraging them to make those purchases with local businesses. Every dollar spent locally helps strengthen our community.”
Because each participating business features its own unique QR code, customers are encouraged to visit a variety of businesses throughout the month, discovering new favorites while supporting the local economy.
In addition to supporting local businesses, the Aberdeen Summer Passport also encourages community giving. Participants can earn an entry by donating to the Aberdeen Postmaster’s House, helping preserve one of Aberdeen’s historic landmarks while investing in the community’s future.
The Grand Prize Sponsor for the inaugural Aberdeen Summer Passport is First Bank, whose support helped bring the initiative to life.
“First Bank has always believed that strong local businesses create stronger communities,” said Shane English, senior vice president of First Bank, who oversees the Aberdeen and Pinehurst South locations. “We’re proud to support an initiative that celebrates our local businesses, rewards customers, and encourages people to keep their dollars right here in Aberdeen.”
Kasey Dixon, branch manager of First Bank’s Aberdeen location, added, “This is exactly the kind of community partnership we’re excited to be part of. The Aberdeen Summer Passport is a fun way to introduce people to the incredible businesses we have in town while helping our local economy thrive.”
More than just a promotion, the Aberdeen Summer Passport is intended to become an annual tradition that celebrates shopping local, supports small businesses during a historically slower season, and reminds the community that every local purchase makes a difference.
“When one local business succeeds, our entire community benefits,” Jakl said. “The Aberdeen Summer Passport is a reminder that shopping local isn’t just about buying something—it’s about investing in the people, families, and businesses that make Aberdeen unique.”
The Aberdeen Summer Passport runs August 1 through August 31.
Photograph of downtown Aberdeen by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Cow McFarland.
Contributed article.
