Shoppers will be able to win vouchers for shopping in the island’s Economic Empowerment Zones over the festive season.

The Eat, Shop, Play event, organised by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, was designed to encourage people to spend their cash in Somerset, St George’s and North East Hamilton.

Anyone who spends more than $20 at a participating store or restaurant before January 2 will be entered into a draw to win $200, $300 or $500 gift vouchers.

The store that made the winning sale will also be rewarded with $500.

Donte Hunt, the BEDC’s micro, small and medium enterprise officer for North East Hamilton, said: “We are excited to bring back this successful initiative that focuses on encouraging the public to diversify their spending habits.

“Eat, Shop, Play is a fun way to inspire the public to visit and shop at unique restaurants and stores that are located a little off the beaten path and, as an added bonus, the chance to win some extra cash during this holiday season.”

Astoria Smith, the owner of Lacquered Lounge in St George’s, said she was delighted to welcome Christmas shoppers to the East End.

She added: “These past two years have been unprecedented and it’s only with the support of Bermudians that Lacquered, and many other businesses, have survived.

“St George’s is the perfect place to spend the day eating, shopping, and experiencing and I am so excited to highlight and share our town with the rest of Bermuda.”

Winners will be announced on January 4.

A list of stores taking part in the scheme can be found at www.bedc.bm.