SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Earlier this year, the U.S. Treasury announced it would stop producing new pennies, which has led to a penny shortage for some local businesses.

Western Mass News stopped by a couple of these locations to get you answers on how your trip to the register might start looking different.

Colby Charron, co-owner of Enfield’s children’s supply store Once Upon a Child told us, “It’s kind of tied our hands a little bit...So, the problem is right now, since we are on the verge of losing pennies, we are going to have to round to the nearest five cents...We’re just trying our best to make them last as long as possible.”

Charron explains that the decision they made on Saturday to retire the coin was the only one that made sense.

“We just want to be as transparent as possible because it’s really not something in our control, but we’re just trying our best to navigate it with you guys.”

We spoke to another local business in Agawam called Cooper’s Gifts who tell us the idea of ‘rounding up’ cash is nothing new.

Kate Gourde, the owner of Cooper’s Gifts told us, “Truly it is our customers’ generosity that drives it; we just provide the vehicle.”

Gourde explains to us that their “Round-up” program gives customers the option to use change to make a change, since 2014.

“We invite our customers, if they would like to round up at the register to the next dollar, that will be given to our local charity of the month...If they choose to do that, we will match their donation by 50%.”

With over $65,000 raised, that copper turns to gold eventually, but November’s charity of choice focuses on a different kind of metal/medal.

“We have a great deal worked out that all of the money that we’re able to collect here stays right at the Agawam Veterans Cemetery. So, it’s for all our local heroes,” Gourde explained.

Gourde hopes that with pennies being discontinued in 2026, more places start to use those extra coins for a cause.

“It’s just pocket change, but it does add up, and it has an impact.”

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