Home for the Holidays, a Shop Fort Collins First Campaign, Kicks-Off

Release Date: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer, (970) 416-2259,
Or Kelly DiMartino, Director of Communications and Public Involvement, (970) 416-2028,

Fort Collins residents are encouraged to shop in Fort Collins during the holiday season through the Home for the Holidays campaign. The Shop Fort Collins First effort, launched in 2004, emphasizes the importance of shopping in Fort Collins for its convenience, value, and enjoyment. The Home for the Holidays Campaign begins Friday, Nov. 6, at the Downtown Holiday Lighting ceremony at Oak Street Plaza at 6:45 p.m. Mayor Doug Hutchinson will read a proclamation kicking-off the campaign and throw the switch to turn on the decorative Downtown lights.

Fort Collins has a range of shopping choices, from national retailers to locally-owned and operated boutique shops. During the Home for the Holidays campaign, residents can enjoy convenient and fun holiday events while supporting our local community through local shopping.

An important reminder about sales tax collection and local purchases—money spent in Fort Collins stays in Fort Collins. Sales tax revenue pays for City services. The City’s sales and use tax is 3 percent. For every $100 that is spent in Fort Collins, $3 goes to support City services such as road maintenance, emergency response departments, parks, and community centers.
• City Park maintenance costs $3.18 per person per year
• One Police Officer’s salary, equipment and vehicle costs $.87 per person per year
• Road maintenance costs $3.90 per person per year
• Senior Center maintenance and operation costs $5.80 per person per year

Visit fcgov.com/shop for holiday event listings for Downtown, Foothills Mall, and Front Range Village. Enjoy a variety of events over the holidays in Fort Collins such as Indoor Winter Marketplaces, visits with Santa, or receive gift ideas from Gift Advisors at the Foothills Mall. The fcgov.com/shop website also features direct links to a variety of organizations who sell gift cards, such as the Downtown Business Association, Foothills Mall, and Front Range Village. Online visitors will also be connected to the Be Local Coupon Book site.

Shop Fort Collins First consists of the following organizations:
Be Local Northern Colorado
City of Fort Collins
Downtown Business Association
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Fort Collins Coloradoan
Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau
Front Range Village Shopping Center
Foothills Mall


According to Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Fort Collins, shopping in Fort Collins is important in supporting local retail businesses, supporting local jobs, and community amenities. “It is even more important this year to shop locally and support local retailers given the economic slowdown,” says Mike Freeman. “There are many wonderful holiday events occurring in Fort Collins from late November through December 31. I encourage our residents and visitors to take advantage of these fun community events, while home in Fort Collins.”

“The Home for the Holidays campaign reminds residents that their community experience is tied to shopping choices they make. Whether you shop at a chain store like Macy’s, or a locally-owned retailed like Cira in Old Town, when you shop in Fort Collins the sales tax dollars remain here and contribute to the quality of life we expect and enjoy,” stated Kelly DiMartino, Director of Communications for the City of Fort Collins.

Shopping in Fort Collins helps keep friends and family employed, and gives residents the variety of shopping choices that they demand. Shoppers will save gas and extra wear and tear on their cars by staying in Fort Collins. Their dollars will directly impact the community experience Fort Collins is known for, and they’ll have an enjoyable time participating in one of many holiday events. Visit http://fcgov.com/shop for more information.