Passport promotion boosts business in Northfield

NORTHFIELD — One week remains in a new promotion that allows visitors to 17 Northfield businesses to get a “passport” stamped for a chance to win prizes.

The passports were created by Leslie Cameron, who owns Cameron’s Winery and The Back Room Brewing Co. with her husband, Paul. Cameron said she wanted to do something to promote the unique businesses in town and encourage people to shop local.

“One day we had someone come in and they said there was nowhere to shop in Northfield,” she said. “I don’t think people realize how many great places to shop there are here.”

She was also inspired by the work of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, which regularly holds events to promote member businesses. She wanted to unite the businesses in Northfield and show them they are “not just a spot on a map, but part of something bigger.”

Cameron came up with the passport program, encouraging people to visit each shop and chat with the owners to get their passport stamped for a chance to win prizes. No purchase is required for a stamp.

Business passports can be picked up and turned in at any of the participating businesses: Severance’s Maple Products, Adria Lowry Unique Floral Design, the St. Patrick’s Church Chocolate Guild, Fiddleheads Gallery and Gift Shop, Mim’s Market, Northfield Food Mart, Owen Davidson Guitars, Rock Ridge Farm and Antiques, Cameron’s Winery, The Back Room Brewing Co., Found in the Barn, Wild Bramble Farm, Gracie’s Gift 1770 Farm, The Brewery at Four Star Farms, Buxton Christmas Barn, Tom White Pottery, and Kidder and Co.

Each business is offering a prize of either a good that it sells or a gift card. These businesses offer a variety of goods and services, such as jewelry, paintings and chocolates.

“They have everything you can imagine,” Cameron said.

The passport program has been running since Nov. 1, and has proven to be incredibly successful, according to Sydney Martin, an employee at Mim’s Market on Main Street.

“We’ve actually run out of passports,” Martin said. “I see a few people every day coming in asking to get their passport stamped. It’s been great getting our regulars to branch out and try new products and get new faces to come in.”

Mim’s Market is a deli and small-town market. Martin said most people come in for meats and a quick sandwich, but lately staff have seen more people sitting down for a meal or purchasing jewelry or some other gift options that are available in the market.

“It’s been great for us,” Martin said.

The Buxton Christmas Barn had its opening day on Friday, and co-owner Jenny Buxton is excited to see who comes in with a passport. The barn sells locally grown Christmas trees and handmade garlands, wreaths and other decor. Buxton also offers a line of upcycled scarves, bags and other accessories.

“I’m excited Leslie’s doing this,” Buxton said. “I think it’s a great way for businesses to band together and bring in more customers.”

Passports must be stamped by every business and submitted by Dec. 7 for a chance to win. Winners will be randomly selected on Dec. 12.

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or [email protected].