Big Wins Day boosts Clovis economy by $1 million in a single day

Big Wins Day was a big hit among Valley shoppers.

Clovis officials announced that a raffle ticket would be given out for every $10 spent within city limits on Dec. 9. Dozens of prizes were raffled that evening at Sierra Vista Mall in the event sponsored by the City of Clovis, Clovis Chamber of Commerce, the Business Organization of Old Town and local merchants.

“It looks like there was definitely over a million dollars generated in the city of Clovis,” said Shawn Miller, the city’s business development manager. “A good portion of those people came from outside of Clovis into Clovis to shop.”

Through conversations with people awaiting the raffle, Miller said people intentionally made big purchases that day instead of waiting until the weekend so that they could acquire more raffle tickets.

“They bought fairly large ticket items like jewelry and mattresses,” he said. “Other people combined a whole bunch of shopping, which we know from looking at their variety of receipts from all over Clovis.”

A GE washer and dryer set donated by Clovis Appliance was the grand prize, along with a 40-inch HD TV from Target, a dishwasher from Clovis Appliance, a Galaxy Tab, a Cricket Wireless phone, Pandora jewelry from Devons Jewelers and barbecue grills from Lowe’s and Dicks Sporting Goods.

A separate drawing for complete yard makeovers from SYNLAWN was also popular, Miller said.

Anyone who saved the mandated 36 percent on their water and brought in their water bills were entered into the drawing for three complete grass replacements from SYNLAWN, including removal of old turf, all materials and labor.

Sierra Vista Mall general manager Greg Newman said the event was a great success and a creative way to benefit the city and its merchants.

“We were honored to be the host of it and I thought it was a big interjection of holiday shopping on a Wednesday,” Newman said. “The tenants certainly appreciated it and the customers seemed to be having a great time. Many asked if it was going to happen again next year.”

Big Wins Day was held in 2008 and 2009 and returned this year. Although it has been successful in generating revenue each time, the city won’t say when or if it will held again.

“The reason why it is so successful is because it is a surprise,” Miller said.

This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Big Wins Day boosts Clovis economy by $1 million in a single day."