By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY — Aiming to keep Montgomery Township residents’ dollars in town, the Montgomery Business Association is launching a “shop local” membership program.
The Shop Local Montgomery program is in the process of being rolled out. People can sign up for the program Sunday at the Montgomery Business Association’s hospitality tent at FunFest, and get a membership card on the spot. FunFest runs from noon to 5 p.m. at the Princeton Airport.
Research indicates that as much as $68 of every $100 that is spent at local businesses — as opposed to money spent at national chain stores — stays in the town, said Lorette Pruden, co-founder and president of the Montgomery Business Association.
Consumers who enroll in the Shop Local program will receive special promotions from the merchants and service providers who belong to the Montgomery Business Association, said Jean Robinson. She sits on the group’s board of directors.
The Montgomery Business Association members who participate in the Shop Local program will tailor those offers to suit their needs and consumers’ needs. Shop Local Montgomery cardholders will receive discounts and benefits of value from business association members.
The program grew out of the Montgomery Business Association’s goal to increase its membership and also retain existing members, Ms. Robinson said. She suggested the Shop Local program as a means of helping to connect the business community and township residents.
“We want people to look at the card as a value-added benefit. The Montgomery Business Association members know that residents are looking for businesses that belong (to the Shop Local program),” Ms. Robinson said.
For example, Honda of Princeton is offering an oil change for $19.95, instead of the regular $34.19, to Shop Local Montgomery cardholders who own Honda cars, minivans or sport utility vehicles.
The Tiger’s Tale is offering its Loyalty Card, which costs $10, for free to Shop Local Montgomery cardholders.
And Matt Robinson Guitar Studio will offer a free introductory guitar lesson and a free guitar manuscript book for charting music to Shop Local Montgomery cardholders.
Consumers, meanwhile, can find additional participating businesses — beyond Honda of Princeton, the Tiger’s Tale and Matt Robinson Guitar Studio — by looking for the Shop Local Montgomery logo at the stores, and also by checking online at www.shoplocalmontgomery.com.
