Most of Chattanooga's tourism attractions and entertainment venues may still be closed due to the coronavirus, but consumers can still patronize their favorite local businesses starting Friday via a new online auction platform.
The Chattanooga Tourism Co. and the River City Company are launching the "We Love Chattanooga Auction" Friday to help Hamilton County residents and businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and recent tornadoes. The online storefront already features nearly 200 items by 115 businesses and more are expected to offer their wares or gift cards before the auction ends on May 12. The items being offered for sale range from candles, soaps and coffee up to a full-day guided fishing tour for $250. Collectively, the items being listed as of Thursday afternoon were valued at more than $287,000.
"The auction is built on love for our community and businesses in Chattanooga," said Marissa Bell of the Chattanooga Tourism Co. "We feel like we're beginning to come to the end of some of the business shutdowns, but many local restaurants, artists and business owners could use some sales now during this slow period and we hope local residents and people from throughout the world who love what Chattanooga has to offer will take advantage of this auction."
Bidders can either pay the suggested price and buy immediately or put their bid in through May 12 to win the designated items being offered for sale.
Anyone can bid on or buy an item when the auction opens on May 1 and persons are also being invited to donate to United Way of Greater Chattanooga's Restore Hope fund to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts.
A similar auction conducted by the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce in Colorado netted more than $100,000 in sales for local companies.