Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new program has been launched in Newburyport to encourage shoppers to buy local.
It's called the 'Newburyport VIP Program', and it's designed to build loyalty by saving cardholders money every time they shop at participating local businesses.
Local shop owner John Darke said the city-launched program is helping keep shoppers spending their money in Newburyport. "People like feeling they belong to the community," he said. "They like supporting shops, they like to get a little bit back, and we like to incentivize them to come back."
Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon said the VIP program is helping to support local businesses, especially beneficial just as the city is about to begin its busy retail season. "Small businesses are the lifeblood of Newburyport," he said. "The VIP program brings people to Newburyport, it gets people involved, it gets multiple businesses involved."
The program also donates 40% of its card sales to local non-profits.
WBZ's Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.
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