On the 31st January, three Budgens retailers will launch the trial of a community led loyalty programme unique to the independent retail sector.
The Love Local community led loyalty programme enables Budgens retailers to enhance their support for their local communities. It also makes the benefits of a loyalty programme affordable and accessible for independent retailers.
Love Local works by shoppers signing up to the programme. A percentage of each participants spend is then allocated to a fund which will be given to buy specific items needed by local causes. Shoppers can nominate causes in store and once applications have been verified, the cause to be supported will be selected from the nominations. Each Love Local programme is unique to the retailer and their store and all the money raised by each community stays in that community.
As well as supporting local causes, shoppers will also be thanked for their participation with small giveaways consisting of a range of products given for free and offers determined by the retailers.
Retailers, Mark Richardson (Budgens of Bradford on Avon), Michael Baker (Budgens of Holt) and Noel Kavanagh Jnr (Budgens of Hedge End) will all launch their Love Local trials on 31st January. Andrew Thornton (Budgens of Crouch End and Belsize Park) will also participate in the trial in the coming months.
Retailer Michael Baker comments, “Love Local combines a community led loyalty scheme with offers or free products to thank shoppers. It is a unique concept and enables me as an independent retailer to thank my loyal shoppers whilst also providing tangible support for causes in our local community.”
Love Local comes following consumer research which revealed that shoppers did not want another loyalty card with personal benefit. Instead, they wanted to help their local communities at a micro level and support those who make a difference to people living locally. The research also showed that the community wanted to be involved in the nominating of the causes but they wanted the selection to be random, a key factor which has been incorporated into Love Local.
Donal Horgan, MD Budgens comments, “Love Local will help retailers who partner with Budgens to build and develop their already exceptional relationships in their communities. Retailers sought a means through which they can say thank you to their customers, Love Local will help them do this and brings a further dimension to the community role played by Budgens retailers; from giving £1,000’s to their local communities to their partnerships with 100’s of local suppliers”.
For more information contact Felicity Callaghan, PR Manager Budgens:
Felicity.callaghan@musgrave.co.uk / 07720 094 180
