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Tehachapi plans "shop small" incentive using surplus city T-shirts and receipts
Summary
City staff proposed a March program giving Tehachapi-branded T-shirts in exchange for receipts from local small businesses. Inventory of about 400 shirts valued at about $10 each would be distributed while supplies last; staff estimated a $4,000 inventory cost already spent.
City staff proposed a short-term program to encourage shopping at local, independent businesses by exchanging receipts for Tehachapi T-shirts.
Development Services Director Jay told the council the city has a surplus inventory of roughly 400 Tehachapi T-shirts with older branding and plans to pair distribution with a new-design rollout at the farmers market. "What we want to do is invite people to shop small at our local mom and pop businesses," Jay said. Under the program, residents who bring $50 in receipts from qualifying local businesses to city hall would receive one T-shirt while supplies last; $200 in receipts would be eligible for four shirts.
Jay said the shirts cost about $10 each when purchased and estimated the inventory represents roughly $4,000 of previously budgeted purchases. He described the effort as a first-quarter promotional push to support slow-season sales at local merchants. Council members asked whether restaurants and service businesses would qualify; staff confirmed local restaurants and service businesses would be eligible so long as they are local independent businesses and not national chains.
Jay said historical sales at the farmers market were about 15 shirts per week when items were new, dropping last year to about 10 shirts per week; total sales last season were roughly 100 shirts over 10 weeks. The council indicated support to proceed with the March program.
