The campaign has seen over 5000 entries go in the draw over the past 11 weeks to win a brand new Honda Jazz, with local shoppers eligible to enter with any purchase over $35 from selected local retailers.

The promotion is the brainchild of the Tamworth Business Chamber with the backing of council, and was designed to not only drive up local spending but also collect data that can be used to improve the local retail market.

Chamber marketing manager Jill Stewart confirmed that over $750,000 worth of local retail had been recorded through the promotion.

“The response to the campaign has been really positive in its first year,” she said.

“Anything that raises awareness about shopping locally is a good thing, and initiatives such as this are only as successful as those involved make it, so we would encourage all retailers and shoppers to continue supporting one another.”

On Wednesday the final entry will be drawn from the barrel to go in the race for the car, with the odds spiking recently after one not-so-lucky shopper missed the two hour window to claim their key.

The 11 key holders will test their keys at the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree on Thursday night, and whoever opens the door drives away.

Vicki Pinchen was the first name drawn out of the barrel some eleven weeks ago, and is both nervous and excited to test her key next week.

“I entered the draw and almost forgot about it until my phone was ringing off the hook with people that had heard my name on the radio,” she said.

“It would make for a nice Christmas present.”

Meanwhile Wayne Painter’s name was drawn out just last week.

“It is great to just be in with a chance,” he said. It is nice to have even more incentive to use local stores.” 

The winner will be drive away at 6pm Thursday from the Fitzroy Arcade.