Springsteen is offering 10 people a pair of tickets to his Dec. 19 show at Harry’s Roadhouse, along with the opportunity to meet him. But the only way to enter the contest is to visit a shop in Asbury Park.

The contest is the latest effort by Springsteen to help local businesses, said Eileen Chapman, president of the Merchants Guild of Asbury Park.

“Bruce has gotten onstage and listed all the merchants in Asbury Park, actually gone down the whole list and encouraged people at his concerts to shop the stores in Asbury,” Chapman said.

Fans have until the end of business on Dec. 18 to enter. Winners will be notified by telephone that night. No purchase is necessary, but there is a limit of one entry per person per day at each participating store. Entrants must be 21 and older.