The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce has released the numbers for gift certificate sales for the month of November, which have set a record.

Sales this year for the month topped $18,160 compared to $9,660 for the same period in 2015. December sales in 2015 were $43,600, according to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kara Kennedy.

“Gift certificates are available year round, but this surge in holiday sales is very promising for our local business members,” said Kennedy. “If this trend continues, we hope to set another record for sales in December. Certificates are valid for one year from the date of purchase, so it really is the gift that keeps on giving.”

Kennedy attributed this year’s surge in sales to renewed awareness of the program through recent press coverage and the desire of shoppers to spend locally. Gift certificates may be used at Chamber of Commerce participating member businesses and all money spent on gift certificates boosts the local economy. There are more than 140 merchants, service providers and vendors accepting certificates the same as cash.

“Local businesses who would like to participate in the program can join the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce to reap the benefits of this surge in sales,” said Pamela Burlingame, Chamber of Commerce executive assistant. “Traditionally our memberships renew in January, but our new policy provides one year of membership from the date joined. Any local business could join now and begin accepting gift certificates right away. The certificates are honored at face value so retailers reap the benefit of the full purchase price.”

The Chamber of Commerce will be open extended hours in December for patrons to purchase gift certificates. In addition to weekday hours from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the office is open until 6 p.m. Thursday and will be open on Saturdays, including Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gift certificates can be ordered in advance for pick up by calling the office.