Consumers who participated in the third annual “Eat, Shop, Play” initiative within the island’s three economic empowerment zones over the holiday season spent more than $90,000, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation reported today.

The initiative, designed to increase economic activity in the Somerset, Northeast Hamilton and St George’s EEZs, saw shoppers spend a total of $91,382 at more than 80 participating businesses.

Starting on November 29, eMonday, through January 2, Bermudians were encouraged to eat, shop and play in any of the EEZs for a chance to be entered into a draw.

Anyone that spent $20 or more in any participating restaurant or store within the EEZs was entered into the draw for a chance to win a $500, $300 or $200 gift voucher to use within the EEZs.

This initiative is designed to incentivise customers to shop in the zones, and it also provides an opportunity for BEDC officers to engage with the shop owners and determine how best to support them during the holiday season, the organisation said.

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“It is our goal to encourage members of the public to expand their idea of where to spend their dollars during the holiday season. There are great locations outside of the City of Hamilton that many don’t often consider,” says Donte Hunt, BEDC micro, small & medium enterprise officer supporting the Northeast Hamilton EEZ.

Ray Lambert, director of MSME at the BEDC, added: “I am very pleased that we were able to continue this initiative, especially during what has been a very difficult couple of years for businesses, island wide. We were excited to bring it back for another year and its continued success fuels us and the participating businesses for the future.”

The owners of businesses patronised by the winning shoppers also received cash awards valued at the equivalent dollar amount.

The winning shoppers and businesses, in order of first to third, are:

Somerset: Dalila Kelly, Cynthia Lancer-Barnes, Quinton Burgess; Bud’s Liquor Store, Somerset Pharmacy, Trini Spice.

North-East Hamilton: Camille Hunte, Shelly Ann Nurse, Cheryl Ming; Sung Sing, Casual Footware, Party Central.

St George’s: Maryem Biadillah, Rhonda Steede, Michelle Burrows; Robertson’s Drug Store-Downstairs, Robertson’s Drug Store-Upstairs, The Things We Love.

All winning cash vouchers can be spent at one or multiple participating locations within any of the EEZs.