Chamber starts shopping discount program

PRINCETON — The Princeton Chamber of Commerce is doing its best to get people to spend their shopping dollars locally, and not just at Christmas time.

Erika Robbins, director of the Princeton Chamber, has announced the “Princeton Preferred Discount Program.” The goal of the program is to stimulate local sales by offering consumers and businesses a discount on retail merchandise and services and to also increase the value of Chamber membership.

“This program offers a unique combination of promoting business-to-business and consumer buying, boosting sales for our businesses and giving them increased visibility,” Robbins said.

The program is open to all Princeton area businesses, Robbins said. Participation is free to Chamber members. Non-Chamber member business may participate for $75.

To help promote the program and discount, participating businesses will receive a Princeton Preferred Discount Program poster, which will have a large blank area on which to write the discount the business will offer. The poster should be displayed in the business’ front window or reception area, Robbins said Wednesday.

Participating businesses will also receive five free key tags, Robbins said. With those keys, a business is able to take advantage of discounts offered by other businesses. Additional key tags are available for purchase for $1 each.

Consumers/shoppers who are not affiliated with a participating business can buy a key tag for $10 at the Chamber office. When consumers buy a $10 key tag between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15, they will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Chamber gift certificate. The drawing will be Dec. 18 at the Chamber office.

The Chamber will post all discounts offered by Chamber members in the “Hot Deals” section of the Chamber Web site, Robbins said.

The program is not just a Christmas program, but began Nov. 1 and will run for 12 months, Robbins said Wednesday. Participating businesses may change their discount offered during the 12-month time period. Businesses are to notify the Chamber of changes, so the Chamber can promote the correct discount, she said.

Fees collected from participating businesses and from key tag sales will go toward purchasing the supplies for the program, promoting the program, and educating consumers on the importance of shopping at local businesses.