Bonus rewards available during Love Shopping Local Week, February 11–18  

Richmond, VA  —  The City of Richmond Department of Economic Development is proud to introduce RVA Open Rewards, a customer rewards program designed to drive traffic to neighborhood businesses, strengthen the local economy, and reward residents for shopping local. 

The pilot program, hosted on the Bludot Open Rewards app, allows shoppers to earn rewards on every purchase at participating Richmond businesses, automatically and at no cost to consumers or business owners.

The RVA Open Rewards pilot is launching with businesses located across Brookland Park, Carytown, Downtown (including historic Monroe and Jackson Ward, City Center, and Arts District), Manchester, and Shockoe. The program makes it easy to support local businesses while keeping more dollars in Richmond’s neighborhoods.  

“Richmond’s small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Mayor Danny Avula . “RVA Open Rewards gives residents a simple, meaningful way to invest in the places that make Richmond unique.” 

Participation in RVA Open Rewards is easy. Simply: 

1. Download the Open Rewards App and create an account
2. Shop as you normally would
3. Upload your receipts (or link a card)
4. Earn and redeem your rewards! 

There is no cost to consumers or businesses for participation. Richmond businesses in pilot corridors across retail, dining, and personal services are included, and additional businesses in these corridors are able to request participation via this interest form . 

“This initiative is about intentional economic development that supports our small businesses and strengthens our neighborhoods,” said project lead Allison Beatty, Economic Development, Commercial Corridor Policy & Engagement . "And with the inaugural Love Shopping Local Week, we’re doing just that: inviting our residents and visitors to enjoy Richmond's many incredible businesses.” 

Residents can learn more about the program by visiting RichmondEDA.com or by downloading the BluDot: Open Rewards app . 

Love Shopping Local Week 

To celebrate the launch of RVA Open Rewards, the City will host the inaugural Love Shopping Local Week from February 11–18 , encouraging residents to show extra love to Richmond’s neighborhood businesses. 

During this special promotion, RVA Open Rewards will offer an additional 1% cash back, increasing the standard reward from 5% to 6% at participating businesses, for a limited time.