City centers are offering cookies as an incentive to get customers into more downtown businesses during the holidays.
In Oak Park, IL, a cookie walk began as part of the annual Winterfest nearly a decade ago, but quickly became the signature event. “People love getting 50-plus cookies and candies,” says Shanon Williams, marketing director for Downtown Oak Park.
For the event, Williams works with local bakeries and others outside of Oak Park to provide a wide assortment of cookies, candies, and custom imprinted cookie tins. Participants purchase tins and also receive maps showing 50 shops and restaurants where the individually wrapped treats are available.
Since tins are limited, the Cookie Walk is marketed to locals and neighboring communities. “We do a lot of social media, a press release, fliers to local schools, posters, and we include it in a calendar of events that we create at the beginning of each year,” says Williams.
The full article appeared in our print edition. To always get the full story, read Downtown Idea Exchange.