It Pays to be a Friend of the Chamber

With all the shops and restaurants in Garden City, wouldn't it be great if there was a nearly-universal discount card that people could use every time they purchased a London broil from Town Meat Market on Seventh Street or sent a package through the UPS Store on Franklin Avenue?

Well, actually, there is such a card – the Friend of the Chamber merchant discount card. It has been around since 2007 and more than 50 participating merchants in and around Garden City offer discounts to card holders.

The card is free and can be used multiple times. The success of the Friend of the Chamber card depends on who you to talk to. At Town Meat Market, many shoppers use it. In fact, some of the regulars no longer have to show their card because they use it so often, according to a butcher behind the counter.

At Grimaldi's, the success has been spottier, according to Russell Ciolli, proprietor, who along with Suzanne Eigl, launched the merchant card program.

"I thought it would really take off but it really hasn't," Ciolli said. "It is surprising because everyone in Garden City brings in coupons, even though it is a well-to-do town."

Which is not to say no one uses it at Grimaldi's. Whenever the Albanese family (of Albanese real estate fame) dines at Grimaldi's, they present the card for their 10 percent discount.

The card was first issued in January 2007. At the time it was valid for two years – through Dec. 31, 2009 – at a cost of $20. In January 2010 a new card was issued for one year at $10, according to Althea Robinson, executive director, Chamber of Commerce.

Robinson explained that at some point after the Merchants, Professionals & Retailers Group was formed, the decision was made to distribute the cards free of charge. Several chamber members assisted in the distribution through mailings in order to draw potential customers beyond Garden City. They included Healthtrax, Meadowbrook Pointe and GC Alarm.

Mary Seifert, manager of the UPS Store, 734 Franklin Ave., paid for the printing of the brochure. Ciolli also spent time and money on the merchant card. Residents can pick up the cards at the Chamber of Commerce on Seventh Street or at Grimaldi's, 980 Franklin Avenue.

When the Merchant's Group convenes this fall, they will decide whether to continue with the card for 2011 or launch a new program. Ciolli has floated the idea of a Chambers Bucks type of program. "I have a lot of ideas," said Ciolli, who is known as the "anchor of Franklin Avenue." 

Of the more than 50 participating local businesses providing discounts, the names of 10 merchants are printed on the back of the card because they paid $200 for the listing:

• UPS Store, 734 Franklin Avenue – 10 percent off all products and services, excluding shopping.
• Grimaldi's, 980 Franklin Avenue – 10 percent off, dine-in only, cash only for parties up to 10.
• Calageros, 919 Franklin Avenue – 10 percent off lunch check, Monday-Thursday, dine-in only, and for parties up to 10 people.
• Key Food, 153 Seventh Street – 5 percent off orders of $25 or more.
• Coach Realtors, 116 Seventh Street – Free title search on your home.
• Sushi Ya, 949 Franklin Avenue – 10 percent discount, dine-in only on for up to 10 people.
• Feldis Florist, 160 Franklin Avenue – 10 percent off any purchase over $40 – not combinable with any other offers; does not apply to previous purchases.
• J. Barbara Tobacconist, 990 Franklin Avenue – 10 percent off all purchases.
• Garden City Hotel, 45 Seventh Street – 20 percent discount at Rein restaurant. Special Friends of the Chamber Room Rate, $199
• Town Meat Market, 156 Seventh Street – 10 percent off; maximum $20 off.

The complete list of participating merchants and their offers can be found at gardencitychamber.org/gcabout_shopperscard.asp.