/buyitdowntown/ The local shopping card that's accepted at over 60 popular places in downtown Chattanooga! Includes restaurants, chic boutiques, toys, spas and more-something for everyone en-gb This site is powered by e107, which is released under the terms of the GNU GPL License. admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:59:23 -0700 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:59:23 -0700 http://backend.userland.com/rss e107 (http://e107.org) 60 http://buyitdowntown.com/e107_images/button.png /buyitdowntown/ 88 31 The local shopping card that's accepted at over 60 popular places in downtown Chattanooga! Includes restaurants, chic boutiques, toys, spas and more-something for everyone http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.59.3

Chattanooga, Tenn. June 13, 2010  -  Buy it Local, LLC, creators of Chattanooga's Buy it* Downtown community card program announced the prepaid card program benefitting local, downtown merchants in Chattanooga, Tennessee has now benefited the local economy more than $1Million.  On the heels of distressing news of retail setbacks nationwide for May 2010, the Chattanooga Buy it*Downtown card program continues to set new records.  Cards redeemed and payments made to  merchant locations rose to more than $27,000 for the month, up more than 130% for the same month in 2009.

The prepaid "buy it*downtown" shopping cards  work  like a gift card or prepaid debit card for participating locations downtown.  The prepaid cards help to guarantee those dollars will be spent locally and downtown.  In addition to its economic impact and benefit to local merchants, the cards are real hit with shoppers because it provides lots of choice.  Unlike a regular gift card for a single retailer, Buy it*downtown cards give cardholders lots of choice.

The first cards were sold in December 2007, two and one-half years ago.  Starting with a merchant netowrk of only 16 locations.  Today, the card program now includes 80 participating locations and card sales have exceeded $500,000.

More than 90% of locations are not only locally owned but also locally "created", providing a much higher than average economic multiplier effect from the dollars that are spent and a much higher than average positive impact on the local economy."Local merchants most often purchase most all of their support services locally- using local graphic designers, accounting and bookkeeping support, legal services, printers, etc. ", said Amy Walker Cherry, founder of Buy it*Downtown.  "This is why the economic multiplier is so high for local stores and businesses."  A dollar spent at a local business will yield 40-60% more back into the local economy than spent elsewhere, according to economic researchers.Buy it*Downtown is grateful to all the many corporate buyers and shoppers who have purchased and spent cards in support of  downtown merchants.  Plans are to continue to grow card sales and services and to generate millions more for the local Chattanooga economy.

]]> admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:46:41 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.59.3 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.57.4


If fresh baked breads, outdoor patios, rooftop decks and a wholesome menu  is what you are looking for-- pay a visit to our newest participating location in the heart of downtown:  The Yellow Deli! 

Serving it up fresh, 24 hours a day from Sunday 5pm-Friday 5pm, Yellow Deli has plenty of room to take on the whole crowd.

Bring your laptop too- FREE WIFI! 
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Come mellow out at Yellow Deli--
and bring your Buy it*Downtown card too.

Click Here for More Info


]]> admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Fri, 07 May 2010 06:25:31 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.57.4 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.56.1 Buy it*Downtown Has Added  Attraction
Majestic 12 Theater and Aquarium Attractions Join Downtown Card Program  
Media Inquiries Contact:        Amy Walker Cherry, cell: (423)421-5391

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  
Chattanooga, Tenn. April 28, 2010  - Buy it*Downtown, Chattanooga’s downtown shopping card welcomes several of Chattanooga’s popular downtown attractions:  the new Majestic 12 Theater and the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX Theater and River Gorge Explorer.  Effective immediately, card holders may now use their cards at  ticket counters to purchase movie tickets and concessions at the new Majestic 12 Theater.  Additionally, card holders may go online to Buy it*downtown’s website to purchase Aquarium, IMAX and River Gorge Explorer tickets  (tickets available only online  at Buy it*downtown’s website;  no counter ticket sales).  The addition of attractions and entertainment venues is designed to broaden the card‘s appeal and prospective customer base.  Majestic 12 and Tennessee Aquarium attractions also provide a more  comprehensive downtown package of offerings for the card program- from dining, shopping to fun.   

“"Buy It Downtown's expansion to include some of downtown's major attractions will allow card holders to use it toward a total downtown experience.  Visitors may now visit an attraction, shop, and then grab a bite to eat, all with their Buy It Downtown card.  Not only is participation in Buy It Downtown easy,  it helps support local business and ultimately our downtown economy," said Kim White, CEO of RiverCity Company. 

During the first quarter of 2010, Buy it*downtown had a 24% increase in dollars spent at participating downtown merchant locations over the same period a year ago.   Buy it*Downtown card sales also exceeded national consumer retail sales trends for first quarter 2010 by 100%.“We are pleased to see our growth trends continue to show double digit increases, despite such a weak retail environment.  People are getting the message that giving and spending Buy it*Downtown cards are an easy, tangible and practical way they can help our local economy, support  local merchants and  help support the local tax base, “ said Amy Walker Cherry, CEO and founder of Buy it*Downtown.

###

  Where to Buy Cards
Corporate purchases of Buy it * Downtown cards can be made directly through  the Buy it * Downtown Office in the Republic Centre (for corporate and high volume orders of 10 or more).  For purchases of 10 cards or less, the general public  can purchase cards at these retail locations:  Chattanooga Cupcakes (Riverfront), Fast Break Athletics (Cherokee Blvd.),  Niedlov’s Breadworks (Main St), Riverside Beverage (Manufacturer’s Road), Northwest Georgia Bank (at Northshore branch only) and Winder Binder (Frazier Ave.). 
Cards can also be purchased online at http://shop.buyitdowntown.com. 
Information and directions for retail sales locations are available online at www.buyitdowntown.com.  

About Buy it*DowntownBuy it*Downtown is a public-private economic development initiative aimed at supporting the downtown Chattanooga economy.  The effort is carried out through a partnership between RiverCity Company and  Buy it Local, LLC.  Buy it*Downtown’s prepaid shopping cards are reloadable and  helps shoppers support local merchants downtown more easily.  Buy it Downtown suggests that employers, residents, large groups and the general public consider substituting a Buy it* Downtown card for their usual employee incentives, client  and staff gifts to help keep spending local.  The Buy it * Downtown program hopes to raise awareness about consumer spending habits and the impact that making a choice to keep your dollars local can make on small business owners and the health of our local economy.  Web Site:  www.buyitdowntown.com For additional information:  www.buyitdowntown.com]]> admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:27:15 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.56.1 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.55.3



Buy it*Downtown Merchant Gets Recognized
U.S. Small Business Administration Names Niedlov's Tennessee's Small Business Of 2010


The U.S. Small Business Association has announced that John Sweet of Niedlov's Breadworks is Tennessee's Small Business Person of the Year.

Citing Mr. Sweet's hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to the Chattanooga community, the Administration will honor Niedlov's during Small Business Week events in Washington, D.C. this May. Co-sponsors of the events include Visa, Ford, Google, eBay, Lockheed Martin and other leading American corporations.

The bakery supports local food economy, promoting the use of local ingredients and selling to local restaurants from its earliest days - helping endorse local farmers, chefs and grocers' commitment to local and organic foods.

Niedlov's is also directly related to the engagement of small businesses throughout Chattanooga's developing Southside, where its Main Street bakery and store serve as an anchor business, helping encourage creative companies, restaurants and start-ups to act with bravery and confidence.

"We are proud to have been a part of Chattanooga's revival over the past several years," said Mr. Sweet. "As Chattanooga continues to develop its reputation as a forward thinking city, we are excited to be an active member of its business and food communities. This is a place ripe with opportunity and growth potential in many areas of civic and business life."

Founded in 2002 by John and Angela Sweet, Niedlov's Breadworks is Chattanooga's local, independent, artisan bread bakery. The company specializes in naturally leavened, organic, hand-crafted, artisan breads, which it sells in local restaurants, grocery stores and from its bakery and cafe at 215 East Main Street.


learn more about Niedlov's - click here]]> admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:40:50 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.55.3 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.54.4 admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:04:12 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.54.4 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.53.4 Bring Your Buy it*Downtown Card, Head to Warehouse Row---
Buy it*Downtown Cards can be purchased up to $3,000 each from our main office; Call (423)643-0715 for details

Buy it*Downtown featured in latest newsletter--


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Catch the UNCANVENTIONAL BALL
FEB.20 at WHR click here for more info










 ]]> admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:27:24 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.53.4 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.52.3


  
  


be eligible to win
just for becoming one
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then be eligible to win weekly
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* * * * * * * * * * *



]]> admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:52:06 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.52.3 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.51.3
Chattanooga Downtown Card Bright Spot in Local EconomyIncrease in Buy it*Downtown Card Spending Ten Times National Average


Chattanooga, Tenn. January 7, 2010  - Buy it*Downtown, Chattanooga’s downtown shopping card had 2009 holiday sales that were ten times national consumer spending trends. MasterCard and ShopperTrak reported national consumer spending up 1.00%-1.6% in 2009 over 2008 for November-December 24^th.  For the same time period, Buy it*Downtown of Chattanooga reports sales of its downtown card for spending at local merchants increased 17%, a 963%-1,600% increase over national consumer spending trends.Buy it*Downtown has kept more than $750,000 in the Chattanooga economy to date.  Additionally, Buy it*Local, LLC, parent company and developer of the Buy it*Downtown program reported spending of the downtown stored value cards increased 68% over 2008 for December.“The double and triple digit increases we have seen in Buy it*Downtown Chattanooga during the holidays and throughout 2009 is evidence that Chattanoogans want to support our local businesses,” said Amy Walker Cherry, Founder and CEO of Buy it*Downtown and Buy it Local.  “Because of this program, three-quarters of a million dollars will be spent with local merchants rather than sent off to banking or corporate headquarters, ” she added.  The Buy it*Downtown card in Chattanooga, Tennessee  is accepted at 70 locations in downtown Chattanooga.  Giving and spending Buy it*Downtown cards guarantee the money will be spent locally.“Prepaid Visa, Mastercard and American Express Cards can be spent on the other side of the world if the cardholder wants to…unfortunately that won’t do our local economy or local businesses much good,” said Amy Walker Cherry.  “ Buy it*Downtown cards were a big hit this year as employee incentive programs, customer rewards and teacher appreciation because they support our local businesses and still give the card holder many locations to enjoy their gift.”###About Buy it*LocalThrough it’s Buy it*Cards® products and services, Buy it*®Local, LLC creates custom, private electronic networks that connects local merchant locations for processing stored value cards specific to the community.   Every card that is purchased and spent at participating locations is tracked.  The data enables local card program operators to estimate economic impact that cards are making.  The program can be scaled to fit any community size and keep its dollars local.Web Sites for additional information:  www.buyitdowntown.com, www.buyitcards.com]]> admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:25:45 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.51.3 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.50.3 Congratulations! 

Congratulations to Blue Cross Employee Cynthia Cash!! She became the $500 winner of the Buy it*Downtown Share the Love Sweepstakes. Cynthia was automatically enrolled in the contest online when she registered the numbers for three cards she bought for others this year.  Cynthia bought cards for a family member and two people at work for holiday gifts.  Now, she is the winner with $500 extra to spend this holiday season!! Thanks for supporting downtown merchants this season---- Cynthia does not exactly know what she will spend her prize money on just yet.  She has two children and one grandchild that might get something extra this season.  However, she was intersted in maybe a special night out or dinner with her husband....plus, maybe even some furniture.  Who knows!  Cynthia looks forward to discovering the many different ways she can spend her downtown bucks on her Buy it*Downtown card. Congratulations-- IT PAYS TO BUY IT*DOWNTOWN!

]]> admin@nospam.com (BID_Admin) Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:56:44 -0700 http://buyitdowntown.com/news.php?item.50.3