It's Cyber Monday, and readers now have a chance to pick up the most sought after stocking stuffers at a fraction of the cost.
Crestview News Bulletin readers can buy nearly $150,000 worth of gift certificates from more than 100 local businesses. And the deals don't end at midnight.
The News Bulletin and its area sister newspapers with Halifax Media Group have launched their second annual online Emerald Coast Holiday Bid and Buy auction. It’s billed as the largest gift certificate auction on the Emerald Coast.
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Halifax Media Group's second annual Emerald Coast Holiday Bid and Buy auction is open for bids.
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“There are hundreds of perfect gifts at great prices for everyone,” said Donna Talla, the News Bulletin's advertising director. “This is our second annual online auction that is a win-win for participating local retailers. It is a chance for our local businesses to take part in a unique community event that happens just once a year.
"We have gained new advertisers and have deepened relationships with our current advertisers.”
Local businesses have pledged a combined $140,467 in gift certificates for the auction. Bidding for each gift certificate will start at 50 percent of its actual value. Bidding ends Dec. 8.
The program is designed to promote local businesses while minimizing the cost to them, Talla said. Regardless of how much the gift certificate sells for — as long as it sells — the News Bulletin will provide the business the full retail value in advertising credit while keeping the revenue from the actual auction.
“I believe it builds excitement in our community, and we look forward to continuing to grow this event year after year,” Talla said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Nearly $150K in savings available in holiday auction