Biz Savings Card Offers Seacoast Deals

A New Hampshire man is bringing his concept of a universal, "buy local" rewards card to the Seacoast area in the hopes of helping promote small businesses and help residents save money.

The company, Local Favor LLC, is owned by Keith Clark, of Keene. He said the concept has already gained a strong footing in the Monadnock Region and he hopes it'll do the same in Rockingham County, as 13 businesses are already on board.

“Earlier this year, I gained a greater understanding of just how important it is to support locally owned, independent businesses," said Clark. "Like many of my friends, I used to frequent the big box stores with little thought of the economic implications of my shopping decisions.

“Today I understand that local retailers do much more to make our region a unique place to live than I ever realized. Typically, they bring better, higher paying jobs, a greater commitment to charitable causes, and (greater) service (and) selection to the marketplace. Not to mention they multiply my spending into the local economy because they, in turn, do more business with other local independents.”

The Local Favor NH Savings Card is a universal rewards card, or community savings card that offers discounts and incentives that are determined by the participating retailer, according to Clark.

Clark and his business partner have worked with businesses through the process in order to find ways for retailers and restaurants to offer unique deals that work for those establishments, while at the same time helping them promote and market themselves.

So far, there are 13 Rockingham County businesses on board, most of which are located in the Greater Hampton Area. Those businesses include:

• in North Hampton.
• in Hampton.
• Hearts & Crafts in North Hampton.
• M The Dog Spa in Hampton.
• Village Hoodie in Hampton.
• Visions Kitchens and Design LLC in Hampton.

There are also participating businesses in Seabrook, Hampton Falls and Rye, as well as in Portsmouth and elsewhere in the county. A full list and description of the discount(s) can be found here.

Each card costs $10, and are valid for one year. Ten percent of all Rockingham County card sale profits are donated to non-profit organizations within the area, and Clark said there are no membership or advertising fees charged to the retailer.

“We are very excited by the positive reception we have received by nearly every retailer we have approached so far,” said Clark. "We want to create a network that is more than just another coupon or daily deal. Our desire is to expand the N.H. economy through a merchant network that rewards conscientious shoppers for their commitment to keeping their spending local.”

Cards can be purchased online or at participating retailers.

More information about the card, which Local Favor guarantees will save "at least five times the purchase price" in a year or the card will be renewed for a second year "at no charge," is available on Local Favor's website.