Keeping Local
I read in the paper about a system called "Berkshire Bucks". It seems that several local communities (mostly in the Northeast) have created their own 'local economy'...where a 'currency' is created and distributed at banks. The 'currency' can only be used for purchases in the local area, and use of the currency automatically garners a 10% discount.
Here is a bit more information:more on local currencies.
I find this an intriguing idea, but it seems to take a lot of work (an
d significant capital) to get it started. Why not become your own 'buy local' booster campaign? What if you made a pledge to only buy from small, local businesses to keep the dollars in your market. And then promote that...perhaps with a list of local businesses that you patronize displayed in your store, sent out in your newsletter, or printed at your website. It might catch on with other local stores, and then you'll start a great word of mouth campaign and find new partners for your promotions.
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A Day Spa Tries Local Marketing for New Business
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Book Excerpts
what makes a community?Member Comments
“newsletters can provide good information about the store: for example, give subscribers first notice of any in-store events, and they will have ‘first dibs’ on signing up to attend events. also you communicate changes to your store hours or policies, to make their shopping easier and more convenient.”larry n, dearborn, mi ice rink owner
“i get a lot of newsletters from craft shops with information about new products and services. the newsletter provides an opportunity to give the dates the products will arrive and some information about price, color, etc that will be of interest to consumers. the manufacturers often will provide you this information to put into your newsletter.also, i like it when email newsletters have special offers and discounts that are available for a limited time only, and only for customers who receive email. you don’t need to have an offer in every email, once every two months could work to keep people interested.mary jane, salt lake city, ut homemaker
“we use newsletters to get information from our customers. have a poll or a survey. it can be short, and even fun: where are you going on vacation? what tv show are you enjoying this summer? then post results in a future newsletter. people love taking polls.of course, always best to use a poll topic that is of interest to your audience.our customers are into new bands, especially hip-hop. we like to poll about "who's hot" in order to let them chime in about their favorites, and it also let's us get a sense of trends.”anson l , natchez, miss clothing store
“we partner with the local animal shelter for their adopt-a-pet program each spring and fall. we put together a “welcome to your new home” bag of food, treats and toys, which are handed out at the shelter when a pet is adopted. we include a discount coupon for their next total purchase at our store as well as their first grooming appointment.karen d, portsmouth nh, pet shop
“we always have a large drop-box for the toys-for-tots drive in november and december. we post a running total the number of “full boxes” donated during the drive. every donor receives a free ice cream cone. our store is one of the largest collectors of toys in town for this worthy cause.”kelly p, baton rouge, la ice cream store
