BURLINGTON, N.C. -- The Burlington Downtown Corporation launched Downtown Dollars in an effort to keep buyers shopping local. 

• The dollars can be used at any of the 19 participating locations
• They are accepted like cash in exchange for goods and/or services
• Officials say this strategy helps people learn about local businesses and shop small

Downtown Burlington Dollars are gift certificates which can be used at any of the 19 participating shops. The city's mayor says it will help the local economy.

"Keeping dollars in the community helps them cycle more as opposed to going out of the community. It helps support multiple businesses, multiple jobs and helps our community thrive," Mayor Ian Baltutis said.

The owner of Persnickety Books in downtown Burlington says Downtown Dollars could encourage shoppers to find new stores they did not know existed. 

"I think that it will motivate shoppers and local employers to look towards downtown for gift ideas and folks will start shopping  places maybe they haven't thought of shopping before because they didn't know they were hiding in that little nook," Shawna Gentert said. 

Downtown Dollars sold out, but more were ordered. They can be purchased on the Burlington Downtown Corporation's website.