Uptown Gift Card Begins New Way To Shop Uptown
FAQ and Merchant List
New Uptown Gift Card Program Builds On Earlier Merchant Efforts
Uptown Westerville Inc. is revitalizing its digital community gift card, an easy way for residents to support the shops and restaurants that define the district's character. The card allows people to send a local gift with just a few clicks and gives the recipient the freedom to explore the stores, cafes, and services lining the blocks around State Street.
The card is sent via email and is typically stored in a digital wallet for use at the register. It functions as a prepaid card that never expires. UWI selected this system because it is familiar to customers who already use their phones to pay.
UWI is promoting the card for holiday use and throughout the year. The group recommends it as an item for realtor welcome baskets and as an option for employers creating gift packages. It can also be used by residents who want visitors or friends to explore Uptown. UWI considers the card a useful tool that encourages people to visit local stores and restaurants.
Aventino highlighted the first card sold as an early example of how the program supports multiple businesses. The two hundred-dollar gift was used for a nail appointment, lunch at Asterisk, a purchase at Pure Roots, and two visits to Dairy Queen. She said the goal is to encourage people to “go experience Uptown” in several locations rather than just one. She also mentioned that the card administrator can view only the balance and the participating businesses, not the buyer's or recipient's names.
The digital card is a successor to the physical card previously used by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association. WUMA, a volunteer-run organization, organized many Uptown promotions and managed a printed debit-style card long before mobile wallets became common. Much of what Uptown hosts today can be traced back to that effort.
WUMA continues to host several long-standing Uptown traditions. These include sidewalk music evenings held on select Fridays from May through September and the annual ice sculpture displays in December. The sculptures attract some of the largest winter crowds in Uptown and have become a regular feature along State Street.
Over time, WUMA discovered that funds from its physical card program were regulated by state law. Ohio rules required unused balances to stay on record for a specific period and limited when the funds could be released. These conditions made it difficult for the association to manage the program and created barriers that were tough to resolve within a volunteer framework.
As Uptown expanded, the need for a more organized structure became evident. Uptown Westerville Inc. was established with guidance and partial support from the city. The group later joined Main Street America and became the lead organization for merchant coordination, promotions, and long-term district planning. Professionals staff it, but it still relies on volunteers for many events and activities.
After UWI took the lead, it launched the digital community card, now used throughout Uptown. Buyers pay a small electronic fee at checkout. Cards must be purchased with a U.S.-issued credit or debit card. They cannot be reloaded or used for cash withdrawals.
The program has kept growing as more stores decide to accept the card. Aventino said activation is simple and free for merchants, even though some think it’s complicated. “It only takes a moment to activate the point-of-sale system,” she said. “It really is a no-brainer.” More businesses, including Los Altos, Fox of Snow, and Birdie Books, are getting ready to join the program.
Aventino mentioned that other communities have used the same system to meet local needs. She explained how officials in Los Angeles County shifted from issuing paper checks to using this type of community card after fires swept through the Palisades area. Recovery checks had been spent outside the community, providing little benefit to those who needed help most. “They realized the money was not staying local,” she said. “When they moved to the card, it ensured that the funds were spent right there in the community.” She added that Westerville benefits from a similar approach, directing spending into Uptown businesses while still allowing the cardholder full freedom to choose where to shop.
UWI will showcase the card during the Small Business Sunday kickoff on Nov. 30, the day after the Ohio State-Michigan game. The organization will set up a tent at the southeast corner of Home and State streets and give away free “Holidays in Uptown” canvas totes to the first five hundred visitors. Families can also enjoy a Gingerbread Obstacle Course and a Snowman Bounce House from noon to three in the lot next to Columbus Running Company. The inflatables are free and aim to give children a lively start to the holiday season while attracting families to nearby shops.
UWI will continue featuring the card in December as Uptown hosts holiday events such as the city tree lighting, the Westerville Christmas Parade, and the seasonal snack and stroll. Organizers note that the card provides residents with an easy way to support local businesses during the busiest shopping season.
Uptown Community Gift Card: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy a card?
Cards are purchased online. Buyers choose the amount and enter the recipient’s email address at checkout.
How does someone use the card?
The card is delivered by email. Most users store it in a digital wallet on their phones and present it at participating businesses at the time of purchase.
Does the card expire?
No. The card does not expire.
Is there a monthly fee?
A monthly fee is charged only if the card has no activity for a full year. Regular use prevents the fee.
Where can the card be used?
It can be used only at participating Uptown Westerville businesses. The list includes restaurants, boutiques, service providers, and specialty shops.
Uptown Gift Card Participating Merchants
A Twist On Olives, 44 N State St., phone 614-823-8800.
Asterisk Supper Club, 14 N State St., phone 614-776-4633.
Begin Café, 8 E Main St.
Blue Turtle Tea and Spice, 13 E College Ave., phone 614-890-2400.
Cardinal Pizza, 10 E Main St.
Dairy Queen, 84 S State St., phone 614-899-2253.
Deja Vu, 11 N State St., phone 614-890-1150.
Everbowl, 15 N State St., phone 614-392-0390.
Fattey Beer Co., 79 S State St., phone 614-392-1671.
Good Vibes Winery, 2 S State St., phone 614-392-2202.
High Bank Distillery, 28 S State St., phone 614-380-3130.
Los Altos, 8 N State St., phone 614-392-0044.
Megan Lee Designs, 20 E College Ave., phone 773-459-0380.
Meza Wine Shop, 48 N State St., phone 614-259-3101.
My Cousin’s Cottage, 16 E College Ave., phone 614-899-6110.
North High Brewing, 250 S State St., phone 614-819-3289.
Overgrown, 10 N State St.
Press Nail Studio, 20 S State St., Suite G, phone 614-902-9679.
Pure Roots Boutique and Gallery, 18 N State St., phone 614-259-3515.
Westerville Antiques, 2 N State St.
Westerville Florist, 14 S State St., phone 614-882-2000.
Whit’s Frozen Custard, 46 N State St., phone 614-568-8055.
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Can the card be reloaded?
No. Once the balance is used, buyers need to purchase a new card.
Can it be used to withdraw cash?
No. The card cannot be used at ATMs or for cash back.
What forms of payment can I use to buy one?
Purchases must be made with a U.S.-issued credit or debit card.
Can the card be used for online purchases?
Yes, but only if the business is enrolled in the program and its online checkout accepts it.
Is there a fee to buy a card?
Yes. There is a small electronic delivery fee at checkout.
Can I buy multiple cards?
Yes. Buyers can purchase multiple cards in a single transaction.
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