A program developed by a number of stakeholders is designed to save local residents money when they shop in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
The Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce, the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Parksville Downtown Business Association, the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association, the Qualicum Beach Downtown Business Association and The Parksville Qualicum Beach News have partnered to create a customer loyalty program they say is unique to the area.
The Resident's Card Program is a "show and save" card, with a companion website.
"The Resident's Card Program has been successful in other communities such as Saltspring Island and assists small business owners in promoting their business in a positive way directly to their local consumers," said Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO Evelyn Clark. "It assists them in becoming 'front of mind' when community members are considering purchases."
The cardholder picks up a card from their favorite member store and has the choice of registering the card online using the sequential number printed on the back. Those cardholders who register will receive an e-mail once per month reminding them to visit the website for new specials and be entered in a weekly draw for a $25 gift certificate. Cardholders simply show their card at participating businesses to take advantage of the specials.
"It's an excellent opportunity for people in our community to shop locally and see a benefit from that," said Clark. "When people buy local more money stays in the community, and that money circulates around faster. It is also an opportunity for people to create strong relationships with their local retail suppliers which both build community and neighbor to neighbour relationships."
When a business signs up, they will receive cards for their customers and additional cards can be purchased. A poster, window sticker and a point-of-sale, shelf-talker template will be provided.
The tourism association will be promoting the participant's specials via a web portal for the program (www.pqbresidentscard.com). Participating businesses can sign into the web portal and update their special, or leave it as is for another month.
Once a week, there will be a random drawing from the registered cardholders for a $25 gift certificate, as advertised in The NEWS. Plans are for an October launch and it's expected 75 businesses will get the program rolling.
For more information, contact Darrell Goertzen (250-954-7477 or e-mail: darrell@owlbc.com).
— NEWS Staff