Downtown Gift Card Sees Second Year of Record-Breaking Sales
Local Media
January 13, 2022
Downtown Gift Card Sees Second Year of Record-Breaking Sales
MDA Program Increased by 32% in 2021
The Missoula Downtown Association (MDA) sold more than $570,000 in Downtown Gift Cards in 2021, an increase of 32% in sales from the previous year. 2021 was the second year of record-breaking sales for the Downtown Gift Card with an 18% increase in 2020 over 2019. Downtown supporters purchased 11,137 cards in 2021 compared to 10,938 in 2020, indicating that individual gift card amounts were significantly higher in 2021. The holidays led to the busiest month of sales in December with over $250,000 sold.
The MDA’s Downtown Gift Card program has an immense economic impact on Downtown businesses, which have redeemed more than $2.3 million dollars in sales since 2010. More than 200 local businesses accept the Downtown Gift Card as a benefit of membership of the MDA. The Missoula community shows strong support for locally-owned businesses and with many holiday parties being cancelled due to COVID, this was a popular gift for employees.
“The Downtown Gift Card Program is one of the most valuable programs offered to members of the MDA,” said Ashley Larkin, MDA President. “After years of growth, the program isn’t just a great gift to receive, but it also promotes participating businesses by bringing them new customers.”
The purpose of the Downtown Gift Card Program is to support Downtown businesses. The MDA does not profit from Downtown Gift Cards. In fact, the MDA invests more than $25,000 annually into the program, funded partially through MDA membership dues. Businesses do not need to be located Downtown to enroll in the program, but they must be members of the Missoula Downtown Association.
In 2021, seven MDA members generated over $10,000 in revenue from the Downtown Gift Card: 1889 Steakhouse, The Good Food Store, Grizzly Liquor, Hide & Sole, Rockin Rudy’s, Runner’s Edge, Saketome Sushi, Tamarack Pub, Thomas Meagher Bar, and The Trail Head. 23 businesses generated over $5,000 and 90 businesses generated over $1,000.
The Missoula Downtown Association is a membership-based organization with more than 550 members. Benefits include the gift card program, networking socials, general marketing, Downtown promotiosn (Shop Small, Dine Local, etc.), advocacy, master plan investment, and community events and festivals to draw visitors and residents to the heart of Missoula. For retail and restaurant businesses, the Downtown Gift Card is a key benefit.
“Being a part of the Downtown community means a great deal to us at 1889,” said Melissa Mooney, 1889 Owner. “As a member of the Missoula Downtown Association, we have benefited from their marketing campaigns, which have helped us reach our current customers, while also introducing our product to new clientele that have not yet experienced a meal with us. These last two years have been challenging, but the continued support from the Missoula community and MDA allows us to look forward to a great year in 2022.”
Downtown Gift Cards can be purchased at the Downtown Missoula Partnership office (218 E. Main St.), the PaddleHeads Post (140 N. Higgins), or online at www.missouladowntown.com/downtown-gift-card/, and options are available for shipping or local pickup at the Downtown Missoula Partnership office (218 E. Main).
For more information on the Downtown Missoula Gift Card program, visit www.missouladowntown.com, or contact the Downtown Missoula Partnership office via phone (406-543-4238) or email ([email protected]).
Downtown Missoula: Connecting Our Community!
| Year | Gift Card Sales | Gift Card Redemptions |
| 2021 | $570,507 | $407,054 |
| 2020 | $430,267 | $271,635 |
| 2019 | $365,645 | $279,280 |