Release Date: June 11,2024
City of Akron to Discontinue the Akronite App
Akron, Ohio, June 11, 2024 — Today, Mayor Malik is announcing the city’s Akronite app will no longer be available after June 30, 2024. The app was launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to help spur support for small businesses. The app creators, Colu, were recently acquired and the city intends to work closely with local small businesses to determine next steps in how best to support Akron’s small business community.
“In determining the future of the Akronite app, we wanted to take time to research alternative platforms, hear business owner perspectives, and determine if this type of app is the best way to support our economic ecosystem here in Akron,” said Mayor Malik. “Ultimately, we’ve decided that while Akronite was a creative and innovative way to help local businesses survive and recover from the pandemic, we think there will be better alternatives to helping our small businesses in the future. With Colu’s acquisition, now is a good time to transition away from the app and look at other options closer to home.”
Blimp rewards will no longer be issued when shopping at an Akronite location. Users will have until 11:59 pm on June 30th, 2024, to redeem any unused Blimps. To redeem unused Blimps, just open the Akronite app and click on the “Redeem” button at the bottom of your screen to discover nearby businesses that accept Blimps. When you are checking out at a business that accepts Blimps, let the cashier know you would like to use your Blimps to pay for part or all of your purchase. You will need to confirm in the app and with the cashier.
All participating businesses have been notified of the upcoming change and all redeeming businesses will continue to redeem blimps through the deadline.
Any questions can be directed to contact.akronite@colu.com.