By Andy Hachodorian

Christmas may fall on Dec. 25 but the economic “gifts” from the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade mean hundreds of thousands of dollars for local businesses.

Officials of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce say they are proud to host an event that is so integral to the local economy and which has had has such a positive impact on the local business community.

And they back it up with a study of the effects of the annual parade that brings more than 40,000 people to downtown West Chester.

In partnership with West Chester University, an economic impact study was conducted during the 2016 Christmas parade. According to the results of the study, last year’s parade had an economic impact of over $500,000 for the businesses in downtown West Chester on the night of the Christmas parade.

This study included a variety of attendees of the parade. Those attendees who live in the 19380 and 19382 zip codes were excluded from the study since they frequent businesses in West Chester due to their close proximity.

“The QVC West Chester Christmas Parade has become the crown jewel of events in Chester County.  In partnership with West Chester University, the Chamber wanted to see the economic impact the parade had on the business community,” explains Mark J. Yoder, President and CEO of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. 

“The impact study helped us to understand this parade generates over half a million dollars in true economic impact for the central Chester County region. As a Chamber, we are proud to help promote West Chester and drive economic stimulus to our area.”

QVC officials also point out the benefits and satisfaction from the collaboration.

“QVC is thrilled to be title sponsor of the parade. This is a tradition that West Chester residents and those from the surrounding region have come to love,” says James Chin, Director, QVC Government Affairs. “We see what this annual event means for the local business community — whether it’s generating general buzz, foot traffic, or sales.”

“Additionally, we are delighted to broadcast the parade to over 100 million homes across the country. We feel the national attention to our wonderful community is our contribution to the Pennsylvania economy.”

See more details about the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade on Dec. 1^st, 2017 here.

[uam_ad id=”67356″]