Tourism Promotion Focuses on Natick, Offers Special Deals

With three days remaining for Shop & Explore MetroWest, the program
has already succeeded in generating economic activity throughout the region by attracting customers to local restaurants, retailers, services, and arts and culture venues.

More than 110 participating businesses are offering special discounts and deals during the nine-day program, an initiative of the MetroWest Tourism & Visitors Bureau.

With offerings such as a free one-week membership at a fitness facility, two-for-one admission to local museums, and half-price pizzas and steaks, Shop & Explore has generated significant buzz as well as income.

For consumers, the deals are the lure.

For participating businesses, the value lies in increased visibility and connections with the community.

According to Susan Nicholl, the bureau's executive director, there will be a push this weekend to bring visibility to Natick businesses.

Here is a sample of some of the Natick-specific deals:

Center for the Arts in Natick (TCAN), 14 Summer St. Purchase one ticket to Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure and get one free, usable June 1-10.

Debsan–The Decorating Store, 25 Main St. Get two FREE “rent-a-quart” color samples of Benjamin Moore paint. $6 off a gallon of Benjamin Moore paint.

Fitness Together, 6 South Ave. 10% off any personal training program.

, 8 Court St. Mention our 10th anniversary and receive 20% off your highest-priced item!

Frame Shop & Gallery, 5 Main St. 25% off any one item in our shop, including artwork and custom framing.

H. Brandt Jewelers, 31 Main St. Mention Shop & Explore and receive 20% off any purchase.

Heads Up Hair Salon, 11 Main St. $5 off a blow dry.

Little Bits Toys, 21 Main St. Mention the Metro West Visitors Bureau and receive 20% off your entire purchase.

Lola’s Italian Groceria, 9 Main St. Buy three dinners, get one free.

Palettes, 29 Main St. Book online during Shop & Explore MetroWest and get $5 off any regularly scheduled class through July 31. Use the code “Fun in MW”!

Renew Arts & Industry, 19 South Main St. Mention Shop & Explore MetroWest and receive 20% off any one item under $50.

Second Chances Thrift Store, 6 West Central St. Mention Shop & Explore MetroWest and get 10% off entire purchase.

Southwick Fine Jewelry Consignment, 5 South Ave. Receive a $20 gift certificate toward any purchase of $100 or more.

For a complete list of discounts and promotions in effect through June 3, also visit www.metrowestvisitors.org/shopandexplore/for-shoppers.

To make these special promotions even easier to find, the Visitors Bureau developed a free mobile app loaded with content about each participating business. Users of this free app can search by category, such as Dining or Arts & Culture, or use the map feature to find promotions offered by participating businesses near the user’s location. Download the app onto any mobile device, website, or tablet at http://metrowest.toursphere.com.

“By giving visibility to area businesses, including nonprofits, and providing incentives for shoppers to utilize those businesses, we’re generating economic activity as well as pride in our region and what it offers,” Nicholl said. “Shop & Explore MetroWest is an opportunity to highlight great shopping and cultural experiences in MetroWest and to support our many businesses.”

The uniqueness of the app itself has drawn media attention from as far away as Canada, Nicholl said, citing press clippings from dozens of media outlets.

Established through 2010 state legislation as the Regional Tourism Council for the 19 towns that compose MetroWest, the Visitors Bureau is charged with generating economic activity in the region by attracting visitors to MetroWest and by spurring MetroWest residents to patronize local services, shops, businesses, nonprofits, and other attractions.