During this pandemic local businesses have been put on a roller coaster ride of hell. Mitigation efforts have either shut many of them down completely for a period of time or demanded they lesson their in store capacity to comply with safety protocols. Both measures have meant less money in their pocket and a strain on their businesses.
Many have taken to selling gift cards on their own to off-set some expenses. This provides much needed short-term cash in hand solution that really helps. The downside is somewhere down the road this will eventually lead to less revenue as the gift cards get used. A bit of a catch 22
Many have taken to selling gift cards on their own to off-set some expenses. This provides much needed short-term cash in hand solution that really helps. The downside is somewhere down the road this will eventually lead to less revenue as the gift cards get used. A bit of a catch 22
The Franklin Retail Association offered a slightly different way to support local businesses with their gift cards. Their card can be used at any of the around 50 businesses participating. Their cards need to be used as soon as possible if they are to help the businesses out now. When they are used for purchases, the business then submits the amount to the retail association who then cuts them a check. A newer system allows them to pay the businesses quicker, usually within a week. Those cards do not help the businesses if they are not used, according to Jessica Carroll the association president. |
During their promotion they sold $35,000 worth of cards. This is all money that remains in the community.
As further incentive to use these cards sooner rather than later, the association will be announcing another little promotion during the months of February and March to extend the value of their gift cards and help even more businesses. For more information on that keep an eye on their Facebook page for this announcement coming very soon according to Carroll..
The association is also happy to be partnering with Franklin Fine Arts Council on a soup competition during Franklin on Ice on February 6. Due to COVID-19, the participating restaurants will set up their samples at their own restaurants. Sampling cards will be $5.
The Franklin community is doing what it can to help keep their businesses from having to shutter during these trying times and keep the money in the area.
As further incentive to use these cards sooner rather than later, the association will be announcing another little promotion during the months of February and March to extend the value of their gift cards and help even more businesses. For more information on that keep an eye on their Facebook page for this announcement coming very soon according to Carroll..
The association is also happy to be partnering with Franklin Fine Arts Council on a soup competition during Franklin on Ice on February 6. Due to COVID-19, the participating restaurants will set up their samples at their own restaurants. Sampling cards will be $5.
The Franklin community is doing what it can to help keep their businesses from having to shutter during these trying times and keep the money in the area.