A retail promotion is allowing shoppers to show the love to Great Bend merchants. The first-ever I Heart GB Valentine Giveaway opened last Saturday.

“It really is a fun giveaway, something new and different,” said Christina Hayes, Great Bend community coordinator and Convention and Visitors Bureau director. The effort runs through Saturday, Jan. 27, with a drawing for the prize package set for Saturday, Feb. 3.

“This is an insane package,” Hayes said. In all, it is valued at nearly $3,000 and includes everything from his and hers ukuleles to fragrances to spa coupons.

The idea was born out of a recent retail roundtable meeting sponsored by her office. These bi-monthly meetings are a chance for business owners to make marketing suggestions and help guide the city.

“This is a new idea this year,” Hayes said. “January is always such a slow month coming off the holiday season and this was a chance to bring people into our businesses.”

As a result, Hayes invited all retailers in Great Bend to be a part of this. But, since so many shopkeepers are hit up for donations, they were asked to offer what they could that would be good for a couple.

Then, the city pays a portion of it, she said. “It is a shared marketing effort.”

Now, folks just have to go into the shops and register.

“Basically, if you win this package, your Valentines Day will be completely saturated,” Hayes said. “You won’t have to do anything, either of you. You will be very spoiled that day.”  The package includes:

• His and hers Ukuleles - $100 value

• Pampering and gifts for your pup - $60 value

• Gentleman’s bow tie, socks, suspender set; ladies bracelet, earring set - $147 value

• Kendra Scott earrings - $70 value

• Gentleman’s sock set, ladies wristlet - $104 value

• Steamy drink gift set - $40 value

• Men’s and women’s fragrance sets - $125 value

• Aphrodisiac soap, tonic, and light set - $80 value

• One free month unlimited tanning for a male and female - $121 value

• One year newspaper subscription - $142 value

• His and her’s fashion gift card - $200 value

• Two silver travel mugs - $40 value

• Date night board game - $40 value

• Lotion and candy baskets - $50 value

• Two dozen glazed donuts - $24 value

• Two 16x20-inch canvas prints - $186 value

• Pair of Oakley’s and door alarm - $230 value

• One week worth of sandwiches for two - $180 value

• Balloon and candy basket - $50 value

• Couples massage with tip included - $140 value

• Two “i heart gb” robes - $75 value

• Romantic gift basket with love potion mix and wine - $125 value

• Household wrench set - $55 value

• Valentine’s dinner date - $70 value

• Guys/gals denim gift certificate - $200 value

• Fizzy bath gift and flowers - $80 value

For more information and a list of participating businesses, contact Hayes at 620.793.4111 or at chayes@greatbendks.net.