Baldwin Park jeweler’s gift card chain helps give Orlando-area small businesses a boost

ORLANDO, Fla. — Many owners in Central Florida’s small business community are looking for ways to help each other during these tough times.

The owner of Victoria Jewelers Frank Walters’ plan started with an idea.

“(I) just started thinking, wanted to do something to pay it forward to try to help stimulate the economy,” Walters said. “Something to help businesses who may not have been in business as long as we have.”

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That led to a plan.

“So we decided to take 20% of the proceeds from any in-stock item and buy gift cards from other small businesses to help them get through this,” he said.

Customers then get to use that gift card to help another business. So far Walters has bought dozens of gift cards from small businesses totaling more than $8,000.

“It’s just a good feeling to know that you’re not only getting something beautiful for your wife, but you can also help another small business in the area,” he said.

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