‘Clue’ shopping game aims to spur local businesses

A nonprofit committed to promoting the arts once again turned its attention to supporting small businesses.

For a second year, the North Pocono Cultural Society will sponsor its “Get a Clue” shop local promotion to draw traffic to local shops. The event will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.

Michele Orrson, the society’s president, thought the concept would be a good way to generate revenue and incentivize shopping locally following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was trying to find a way that we could get reconnected with all the business partners and get people into the stores,” Orrson said. “It’s really a win-win-win for everybody. The cultural society benefits from proceeds from the sale of the game cards, the businesses benefit from extra foot traffic and sales, and the participants get discounts and can win prizes.”

Orrson felt the event was a success last year and aims to build off the momentum.

“We’re hoping to make it bigger and better,” she said. “(The business owners) really had a good time doing it and it brought new people in.”

Through the purchase of a game card for $10, customers will have access to special discounts at participating businesses in the greater North Pocono area, Orrson said. Upon visiting businesses, customers will receive a club. Anyone who makes a purchase at the shop will receive an additional clue to attempt to solve the mystery.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting the society at npculturalsociety@gmail.com or at the following businesses: The Beehive (Moscow), Ethical Clothing Co. (Covington Twp.), Jones Marketplace (Spring Brook Twp.), Matthews Hardware (Moscow), North Pocono Yoga (Covington Twp.), NP Floors (Covington Twp.), Rockstar Dog Bakery (Covington Twp.), Salon Joy (Clifton Twp.), Slingshots Bar & Grill (Moscow), Studio 113 (Moscow), Totally Tan & Synergy Salon (Moscow), Anthracite Hi-Railers Train Display (Covington Twp.), and Wellness at 461 (Jefferson Twp.).

Other participating business include The Brew (Salem Twp.), Isabella’s Eatery (Mount Cobb), JAM Boutique (Covington Twp.), Leonor’s Eatery (Moscow), Mendicino’s Pizza (Covington Twp.), Nails by Alex (Covington Twp.) and Vac-Way (Moscow).

The first person to solve the mystery will receive a $100 Target gift card and the individual with the most correct motive will receive four tickets to the Arabesque Academy of Dance Christmas Show.

For the complete list of prizes, visit northpoconoculturalsociety.org.

Jodi McGee, owner of Rockstar Dog Bakery, noted the “Clue” event provided a tremendous boost to her business last year, bringing many new customers into the shop, and appreciates the efforts of the cultural society.

“There was a lot of support from the community,” McGee said. “It also created awareness to let a lot of people know we’re here. I’m grateful they’re out there encouraging people to shop locally with the mom and pop shops.”