BOULDER, CO – For the first time, holiday shoppers in Boulder can now buy gift cards from local businesses at convenience stores and other retailers. The Local Gift Card Mall, operated by LocalGiftCards.com, is the first and only gift card mall to carry gift cards from small, independent businesses instead of national chains like the gift card malls seen in grocery stores and other retailers.

The Local Gift Card Mall can be found at three locations in Boulder: Meininger Art Supply on the Hill and at ShortStop Convenience stores at their William's Village and Gunbarrel locations (also known as Conoco at William's Village and Shell in Gunbarrel). Shoppers will find gift cards from well-known local Boulder businesses including Cured, the Organic Sandwich Co., Trident Booksellers, and West End Salon. Additional mall locations are planned for the New Year.

“The Local Gift Card Mall is about small businesses helping each other while making it ultra-convenient for consumers to 'gift local'” said Ray Clopton, President of LocalGiftCards.com. “ShortStop and Meininger are leading the way by hosting the very first Local Gift Card Malls. We'll be expanding the scope of the program soon after the New Year.”

The buy local movement has been top of mind in recent years as consumers recognize the positive impact spending locally has on their communities. For consumers committed to supporting local businesses, the Local Gift Card Mall is a win-win. It's a highly convenient way to give a thoughtful gift, and more of the dollars spent stay in the community, getting recycled back into other local businesses, generating new revenue and jobs. Additionally, one percent of all gift card sales is donated to local nonprofit organizations selected by each retailer hosting the Local Gift Card Mall. ShortStop will donate to Niwot Youth Sports and HR Meininger will donate to the Art Students League of Denver.

While providing consumers an easy way to “buy local”, the Local Gift Card Mall also offers a unique opportunity for business owners in the community to work together to help promote each others' businesses. “This is not only a great way for us to support other small businesses, but it's a way for the community to help support us, too,” said Tara Demuth, manager at West End Salon. Jeff Dageenakis, co-owner of Short Stop echoed these sentiments, “I am excited to get on board with the Local Gift Card Mall early because I think it's a fantastic idea--we're a local business, so I want to help support other local businesses.”

“Promoting gift cards in this way offers a great value to small businesses as opposed to daily-deals concepts,” said Clopton. “The 'buy local' concept attracts a different kind of shopper, not just someone looking for the next deal.” In addition to the in-store displays, consumers can buy these Boulder gift cards on LocalGiftCards.com.