Plant City Main Street is kicking off a new shopping incentive to encourage local shoppers to support downtown businesses.
The Downtown Discount Card will feature a variety of discounts ranging from buy one get one free deals to percentages off purchases. Some will include free items with purchases and others will focus on bundling deals. The cards will cost $10 and can be used repeatedly for a full year at participating businesses.
“With COVID going on and everything we need our consumers and support for our local businesses,” Greg Williams, Downtown Merchants Committee Chair, said. “That level of support, that’s truly the only reason we made it through the pandemic. People supporting small businesses impacts lives right here in our community.”
Williams said all of the money raised by the cards will return to Main Street so the organization can continue to provide a variety of events and projects to downtown. There are currently more than 20 businesses participating in the card including Brick City Bricks, Tub Treats, Krazy Kup and more.
The cards are expected to launch at the end of August and can be picked up at any of the participating businesses or online at plantcitymainstreet.org. The discounts last one year and can be redeemed on a recurring basis. Some of the deals are redeemable once a day, others once a week and so on, but each item can be reused regularly.
Several years ago a similar card was launched by Williams in partnership with many merchants downtown. He said that idea was the inspiration behind this new project and added he has had a lot of help from people who are familiar with this type of discount service perfecting the offering into something that will be advantageous for both the community and the businesses.
The group aims to print 1,000 cards at the end of the month and Williams said he’s already had local business owners reach out wanting to buy bulks of the cards to give out to their employees and loyal customers. He expects this will be a big hit as people prepare to start their holiday shopping.
There has been a focus throughout the nation over the course of the last few years to support small businesses rather than throwing money at box stores and massive chains. Multiple studies have shown that small businesses directly impact the local economy at a higher rate than chains. For every $100 spent at a small business, an average of $68 stays in the community, which is more than double the amount chains reinvest.
As downtown Plant City continues to flourish, Williams said Main Street wants to keep offering programs that shine a spotlight on downtown. The next Last Friday in Downtown event will be themed Marvel vs. DC on Aug. 27. The group also has its annual Top Golf tournament around the corner as well as a fall festival event in September. Down the road facade projects and even an initiative to get more businesses open on Mondays are slotted.
The group is constantly evolving and you can stay up-to-date on all of its offerings by following Plant City Main Street on Facebook and Instagram. Or you can visit plantcitymainstreet.org.