MORGAN PARK — Special discounts and deals will soon be available at businesses throughout Beverly and Morgan Park for those displaying a neighborhood shopping card.
The Beverly Area Planning Association will debut its members-only discount card March 1, said Margot Burke Holland, executive director of association commonly known as BAPA.
About 15 businesses have already signed on to the discount card program. These businesses are also members of the neighborhood group, Holland said.
These shopkeepers will, in turn, offer discounts to customers who are community members of the organization and display their card upon checkout, Holland said.
"It's a great way to market your business," she said. "And, its a perk of being a member."
The neighborhood advocacy group has about 1,300 community members within Beverly and Morgan Park. Annual membership for an individual costs $100.
Holland and her staff provide a variety of services to the community, including producing a free monthly newspaper, working to improve public safety and education, hosting various events and seminars, serving as a common voice for the region and more.
But, the discount card is intended as a more tangible benefit to entice new members and encourage existing members to renew their support, Holland said. Some notable deals already in place include:
• $1 off every $25 spent at County Fair Foods in Morgan Park (cash or credit only).
• 10 percent off any in-store purchase of $25 or more at Calabria Imports in Beverly.
• $10 off any oil change or transmission flush at Brach's Auto Center in Beverly. The garage will also offer a $25 discount on any repair more than $100 to cardholders.
• 15 percent off all merchandise at Figlia Boutique in Beverly.
The discounts will vary on a monthly basis, giving businesses an opportunity to offer seasonal deals. These discounts will be printed in the association's "The Villager" newspaper as well as be listed on the group's website, Holland said.
"It is really meant to build businesses up and not distract from the bottom line," said Holland, adding that the discounts are designed to draw customers.
Cards will be sent to members who join or renew their membership after March 1st, as well as anyone who paid their membership fees in the last quarter of 2015, Holland said.
A hole-punch system will let retailers know if the card is in good standing or has expired. Each household will receive one card upon renewing their membership or signing up with the organization. Additional cards will be available for $50 each, Holland said.
She hopes as members use the cards throughout the neighborhood they talk about the association and its benefits. She believes such interactions will fuel interest in the group and perhaps lead to a membership boost.
"I think it is a way to draw in people," she said.
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