The Village of Homewood announced the successful completion of its first-ever Unwrap Homewood holiday shopping promotion, an initiative designed to encourage residents and visitors to shop locally and support downtown and Southgate businesses during the holiday season.

The promotion exceeded expectations, with 71 customers participating and spending a total of $30,000 at 21 participating Homewood businesses. The average purchase per participant totaled $425, reflecting strong engagement and meaningful investment in the local business community.

Launched in November, Unwrap Homewood invited shoppers to spend a minimum of $250 at three participating downtown and Southgate businesses in order to earn a $50 Visa gift card, driving foot traffic and boosting local sales during one of the busiest retail periods of the year.

Twenty-one Homewood businesses took part in the inaugural promotion. Loulou Belle, Upsa Daisy and Gaia’s Market & Refillery emerged as the top-performing stores, with Beyond the Book finishing a close fourth, just one purchase behind Gaia’s Market & Refillery.

Village officials said the results demonstrate the power of community-driven economic development and the impact residents can make when they choose to shop local.

“This program reflects the village’s ongoing commitment to supporting small, local businesses and fostering community engagement,” said Economic and Community Development Director Angela Mesaros. “We are encouraged by the community’s participation and look forward to offering similar promotions in the future.”

Unwrap Homewood was created as part of the village’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and support its downtown and surrounding small businesses and reinforce Homewood’s reputation as a vibrant, welcoming destination for shopping and dining.

For more information about Homewood businesses and upcoming initiatives, visit www.homesweetomewood.com.