What’s happening?
The program debuted the program last year, which provided 5% cash back through shopping at Southlake businesses through an app called Open Rewards. There were 260 retail stores and 130 dining spots that took part in the program in 2024, according to the city website.
“Our residents and visitors definitely loved this program, enough to the point where we received several calls to either extend the program or encouraged us to continue it into future years,” said Daniel Cortez, director of economic development and tourism. “This was the primary motivation to continue the pilot program as an ongoing annual incentive program. The options to get reimbursed are simple and easy.”
The details
People who link a debit/credit card or PayPal will receive 5% cash back for purchases on select businesses throughout Southlake after uploading their receipts, Cortez said.
The Open Rewards app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
“Visitors and residents found the program to be incredibly beneficial and an added perk of shopping and dining locally,” Cortez said. “We also saw our sales tax perform better than the previous year for the months the program was in place. Our goal was to stimulate local spending with our local businesses and I think we achieved this. We want our local shops to thrive.”
The background
Southlake City Council approved the program Jan. 16, 2024, and it ran until the end of June. Cortez said City Council had approved $25,000 for the program in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget.
He said the city has seen a dip in sales tax following the holiday season into the spring in recent years. This program helped counter that, saying the city saw an uptick in sales revenue compared to year-over-year numbers.
