Shoppers who spread $500 across five downtown Oak Park businesses this holiday season will get $50 back in reward certificates.
The Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance announced the 2026 Shopper's Reward Program on Oct. 20, giving residents a cash incentive to shop downtown between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25. The deal: spend at least $25 at each of five participating merchants, hit $500 in total purchases and earn a $50 certificate booklet redeemable at downtown stores.
Families can fill up to three booklets, putting as much as $150 back in their pockets.
The program arrives as Renew the Avenue construction continues to reshape traffic along Oak Park Avenue. The infrastructure project is replacing century-old water pipes and rebuilding the streetscape through the Hemingway District. Oak Park Avenue from Pleasant Street to Lake Street remains closed to all north-south traffic through November 2026. The village's weekly report said the village approved nighttime sandblasting of the railroad viaduct, and brick paver installation continues on the south block. The project is on track for substantial completion by Thanksgiving.
The alliance's board includes Paul Beckwith of Oak Park. No spokesperson statement accompanied the program announcement.
How to participate
Hang on to every original store receipt dated Nov. 1 through Dec. 25. Receipts must list taxable items purchased. Tips, delivery fees, medical services and memberships do not count. Photocopies and credit card statements are not accepted. Email receipts must include an authorization code or order number.
Bring receipts and a driver's license or state ID to the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance office at 1010 Lake Street, Suite 114. The office accepts receipts Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on holidays.
One receipt cannot be split across multiple booklets.
Spending the rewards
Earned certificates are redeemable from Dec. 3, 2026, through March 13, 2027, at participating downtown businesses. The alliance said a list of those businesses is coming soon to its website. No change will be given on purchases made with certificates.
