Shoppers spent more than $150,000 during a holiday season promotion organised by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.

Eat, Shop, Play shop-to-win is designed to increase economic activity within BEDC’s three Economic Empowerment Zones — Somerset, North East Hamilton and St George’s.

From Cyber Monday on November 27 until January 5, members of the public were encouraged to eat, shop and play in any of the EEZs for a chance to be entered into a shop-to-win draw.

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

More than 1,800 vouchers were submitted during the shop-to-win draw, more than 80 businesses participated, and shoppers spent $153,645, the BEDC said.

The promotion, held for the fourth time, is designed to incentivise customers to shop in the zones, and it also provides an opportunity for the BEDC’s micro, small and medium-enterprise officers to engage with shop owners and determine how best to support them during the holiday season.

Donte Hunt, acting director of micro, small and medium enterprises at BEDC, said: “Our goal is 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.”

The BEDC also awarded the business owner where the winning shopper was selected with a cash award valued at the equivalent dollar amount.

The winning shoppers and businesses, first prize to third prize, are:

Somerset: Tina Wilson, Llewellyn Simons, Judy Outerbridge; Bud’s Liquor Store, The Pit Stop, Audio Visual

North East Hamilton: Andrea Shakir, Royce Marty Bulatao, Apryl Jackson; Soul Food, Sung Sing, Hairsay

St George’s: Terri Crockwell, Joanna Jackson-Smith, Terlena Murphy; Surprise, Bermuda Linen & Gifts, The Things We Love

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

Dennis Carter, micro, small and medium enterprises officer in charge of St George’s, said: “The Christmas ‘Eat, Shop, Play’ shop-to-win draw has been a tremendously successful campaign.

“By participating in this initiative, members of the public had the opportunity to explore and get to know new restaurants and stores.

“It was great for the zones, great for the businesses and fun for the shoppers. A win all around.”

Ondreyah Rochester, micro, small and medium enterprise officer supporting the Somerset EEZ, added: “The initiative in the Somerset EEZ has positively impacted the holiday shopping experience.

“It was encouraging to see the community's support for local businesses, reflecting a successful and spirited season.”