Local Shopping Pays Off
Consumers and merchants to benefit from
new “Lawrence Rewards Local Shoppers” loyalty card.
[UPDATE: October 11, 2010 - launch of www.lawrencerewards.com]
Beginning this Fall, shopping at local stores throughout Lawrence Township will be more rewarding than ever, with the introduction of the Lawrence Rewards Local Shoppers card — an innovative program that offers rewards to shoppers for every dollar spent at participating local businesses.
Thousands of bright red-and-black Lawrence Rewards cards will be distributed in the Township this October. Cards will be distributed in town. Each dollar spent at participating businesses will generate one Lawrence Rewards Point. Points may be redeemed at any participating business. Each business will set its own Rewards offers. So for example, someone purchasing a specified amount at a participating restaurant may redeem their points for free or discounted products or services at that restaurant, or at a dry cleaner, auto service or any other participating location.
The Lawrence Rewards Local Shoppers program was developed in conjunction with local businesses, Sustainable Lawrence, GEPNA (Greater Eldridge Park Neighborhood Association), and Lawrenceville Main Street. The program’s goals are to encourage local shopping and reduce the carbon footprint generated when people travel further distances for goods and services.
Howard Nelson, Lawrenceville Main Street’s Board President, explained, “This is a win-win-win proposition. Shoppers using the Lawrence Rewards card get savings and discounts. Merchants get increased customer loyalty. And Lawrence Township gets improved sustainability by encouraging local shopping. With nearly 800 businesses in town, a substantial impact can be made when people buy local.”
A Lawrence Rewards website will allow cardholders to check their point balance and find participating businesses and rewards offers. Participating merchants will be able update rewards offers directly to the website.
The Lawrenceville Rewards Local Shoppers group worked on the program development with an independent, Hamilton-based merchant services company called Meramak Bankcards. The card name, design and related promotion materials were created by Three Bears Communications of Princeton, whose president is Lawrence Township resident Paul Schindel.
Merchant information on the Lawrence Rewards card is available by calling Jimmie Stewart at Meramak, 1-800 597-3140 x109. Further program information is available through Lawrenceville Main Street, at 219-9300 or director@lawrencevillemainstreet.com.