Our View: Loyalty card a boost for CBD

A new loyalty card being introduced for downtown Tauranga shoppers will be great for consumers and should hopefully provide a much-needed boost to businesses.
The card - called Ultimate Supporter - will be launched on June 25 and will reward shoppers with actual cash rather than points for spending money with downtown retailers.
It will offer cashback rewards or discounts of between 10 per cent and a staggering 50 per cent. Consumers can then use these cash rewards at other participating businesses.
At least 50 retailers have so far signed up.
This card is the latest weapon in the fight to lure shoppers to the city's downtown shopping precinct and its launch is timely.
As with any discount card, sensible use will be needed to ensure people don't end up spending beyond their means.
The launch of Ultimate Supporter, reported in Saturday's Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, follows the move to introduce free Saturday parking in the downtown area from July 1.
Mainstreet, which represents these retailers, would prefer permanent free parking but this is difficult given the city centre has commercial office and retail businesses during weekdays.
The card and free Saturday parking are important steps for the lifeblood of these businesses, which are up against shopping malls such as Bayfair and Fraser Cove, which offer free customer parking.
Many retailers across the Bay are finding trading conditions tough and it is important the city finds ways to support them.
There are two other measures which, if introduced, will provide even more relief for those in the downtown area.
A proposal for free buses on Saturdays will be discussed with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
The council will also review parking time limits in the downtown, and price differentials could be introduced between the two parking buildings to try to increase patronage of the Elizabeth St building which averages about 200 empty parking spaces.
All these measures, combined with plans to revamp the waterfront area, will give shoppers and retailers a better and more rewarding experience.
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