PORTLAND, Ore. -- Loyalty has its privilege, someone once said, and local small businesses used that idea to create a discount card to encourage Portlanders to shop with mom-and-pops here instead of with the national retail "big box" crowd.
Shoppers who sign up for the Choose Local card get a great deal, local business owners benefit and that helps grow the local economy.
Tiffany Johnson moved to Portland from Southern California just two months ago. She likes the card and what it stands for.
"I choose local," she said.
The card was created by Dave Bentley, a Portland neighborhood map-maker, and already some 400 local small-business owners have signed up to participate in the program.
"Basically, with that whole database we're able to go in and create the Choose Local card," Bentley said.
The card is free and does not expire. It's mission is to reward loyalty while growing the local economy, Bentley added.
Card holders register and can surf the Choose Local website, filled with hundreds of deals from restaurants to travel and tourism. The discounts are usually 10 to 15 percent.
Pizza A Go Go on NW Williams St. has participated in the program for some time. Owner Mike Burns sees the card program as an important part of his business strategy.
"We have a great offer -- buy one, get one free slice -- on the Choose Local card. We've had a lot of good response," Burns said. "It builds customer loyalty. Once they come in, they're happy to come in again."
Physical Element on NW Lovejoy St. in the Pearl District has also seen business grow from the program. Shop owner Jo Carter said the Choose Local card allows her to thank loyal customers for their patronage.
"They're kind of proud to flash the card; it's sort of a personal statement as to what matters to them," she said.
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