Seventy Glen Innes businesses have banded together as a result of an idea started by Nicole and Guy Schafer to purchase the car that is valued at $16,960 in an attempt to increase the number of shoppers in Glen Innes.

“A lot of Christmas shopping has been done out of town in the past. We want to strengthen local businesses and reward shoppers for staying in town. The 70 businesses are taking responsibility for their own success and celebrating the retail market in town,” Mrs Schafer said.

“As a result of the strong support from local businesses council have also decided to come on board as major sponsors providing $5000 sponsorship as well as the Chamber of Commerce as minor sponsors adding $1000.”

Glen Severn Holden has added to the support by making the car available at cost price for the 70 businesses.

The promotion will kick off at 7am on Thursday and run for seven weeks with shoppers at the 70 stores going into the draw for the car each time they spend $20 or more. It will conclude at 7am on Christmas Eve with the winner to be drawn by Mayor Steve Toms at a special event on the day. One lucky winner will drive into the Christmas break with a new car.

A list of the 70 businesses will be printed in Thursday’s Examiner.