The City of West Hollywood is launching a new digital gift card program aimed at supporting local businesses and encouraging community-based shopping. The “WeHo Loves Locals” Gift Card initiative will roll out in mid-September with a limited-time Buy One, Get One (BOGO) promotion — fully funded by the City — that gives customers a 50% bonus when purchasing gift cards online.
Local businesses that enroll by August 28 will be featured in the full promotional campaign, which includes advertising, signage, and placement in the City’s online gift card directory. Participation is free.
The new digital card can be used at any participating business and is processed like a standard Mastercard transaction. Merchants receive the full transaction amount, minus their usual credit card processing fees.
“This is a no-cost opportunity for businesses to gain visibility and increase foot traffic,” said City staff. “The City is covering the entire bonus as part of its investment in supporting the local economy.”
Key Features for Businesses
BOGO Incentive: Customers receive a 50% bonus card, increasing average transaction amounts.
No Cost to Join: Businesses are reimbursed through normal credit card settlement.
Marketing Support: Includes signage, digital assets, and optional inclusion in City promotions.
Flexible Participation: No contract required; businesses may opt out at any time.
Businesses already offering their own gift cards are still encouraged to participate, as the program is designed to attract additional foot traffic and introduce new local customers.
Always-On: Resident Offers Program
In addition to the gift card rollout, the City continues to promote its Resident Offers Program, which highlights local deals for West Hollywood residents. Businesses may offer discounts such as a free drink with purchase or a percentage off, which are promoted year-round through the City’s website, email list, and social media. Offers are available at https://www.weholocals.com/
How to Sign Up
After submitting a short interest form, participating businesses will receive an “Activation Card” from the City’s gift card partner, Yiftee. Running this card through the POS system registers the business to accept the digital gift card. Training materials, technical support, and customer balance-checking tools are all included.
For inclusion in this year’s advertising rollout, businesses must register by the end of August. The program will continue to accept sign-ups on a rolling basis thereafter.
More information is available through the City’s economic development team or at https://www.weholocals.com/start.
Such a ridiculous embarrassment of an egregious FLIP-FLOP, why does it seem this practice persists throughout the majority of decision-making by this council. This is called forecasting, planning, understanding business, logistics, SO infuriating, WTF people!!! •Multiple large-scale failed development sites now with craters in the ground for businesses & neighbors to enjoy for years daily!! •’Weaver’s Walk’ approved plan by the community, planning commission, & council, only to have been stalled AFTER construction commencement by a certain Melrose merchant, & then WE pay for the 15-20K astroturf bandaid, let them pay that tab, NOT US! •FAILURE to comply in a… Read more »
What a great idea.
Better than their subsidized advertising.
First, they destroy local businesses with their policies and then they use taxpayer money to try to revive it. Can’t make this sh*t up.
After implementing anti-business policies for years…..they create a “gift card” program.
Life will continue to deteriorate throughout CA……until the D Party is defeated. Pandering to the worst elements of society has been working for them politically …..but destroying the country.
WH is a special case. Its “brand” is a national embarrassment. A city run by silly people. It’s a perverted version of Portlandia.
Dude, STIFLE. Move, just get out.
This tide is turning. People have had enough. The minority ruining things here should leave……and let’s reverse this disastrous situation. The view shared above……is what the majority thinks of this town.
Ham – right on! Stay and fight. Don’t give up. You’re right, the tide is turning. People are fed up with policies that deliver disastrous results.