SHOPPERS are being encouraged to spend at local independent businesses with the launch of a new loyalty card for Beeston.
The town's Business Improvement District (BID) hopes the move will drive inter-trading between smaller companies and publicise offers to shoppers.
Discounts are offered through the cards and more than 20 shops have already signed up. Bargain-hunters can get 10 per cent off jewellery or sweets while holidaymakers can save five per cent on travel arrangements.
Jessica Hartley, 30, was shopping in Beeston on Saturday and said the card would help smaller businesses keep up with larger competitors. "Everyone loves a bargain," she said. "So I suppose a one- card-fits-all system would work for smaller shops who don't have the resources to promote their own loyalty card."
Miss Hartley said she would consider getting a loyalty card and would look out for bargains at local jewellers in particular.
"I get updates about offers on internet sites like Groupon, so to have it for shops nearby is even better because you still get to go out shopping."
Shoppers can sign up for the card, or a key ring if they prefer, online at the BID's website.
James Wiggington, from the Guitar Spot in Chilwell Road, is offering 15 per cent off any new instruments or accessories.
He said: "As long as it's promoted well, the loyalty card can be a boost to Beeston.
"I guess it's a free form of advertising but at the same time not all the businesses here can afford to offer discounts at the moment."
Mr Wiggington said some business owners feel able to drop the price of their products due to the amount of business lost during the ongoing tram works.
"I'm largely positive and, you never know, it might bring people here who wouldn't have made the trip otherwise," said Mr Wiggington.
Following the Business As Usual campaign designed to bring shoppers into the town, BID manager Stephanie Wilkinson hopes the new card will further local business.
She said: "We are keen to explore as many opportunities as possible to get people to shop, eat, drink, visit and relax in Beeston and this card is the latest idea.
"It is totally up to the businesses what offers they will make but we will be on hand with ideas and happy to communicate them across our various channels including Facebook, our website and our newsletter. If we can encourage people who both live and work in Beeston to support their local businesses, we will emerge in a very strong position once the tram works have been completed, which is now not far off."
To sign-up for a Beeston loyalty card, visit www.letsgotobeeston.co.uk.
