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At Dexter Bike and Sport: Sabrina Letwin, Dexter High School sophomore swimmer, uses her TDF card to purchase a new swim suit and goggles.
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Dexter businesses are anticipating great results from the Think Dexter First Discount Card program that launched earlier this month.
Cardholders have access to significant number discounts at a growing number of local businesses. The promotions change every month based on each business owner's preference.
"I would like to have someone come in here and try it," said Kathy Davis, owner and manager of Pack and Mail Plus.
The card is expected to be in the hands of at least 1,000 Dexter area residents by the end of the year, according to Think Dexter First organizers.
"I think it will do very well, because the Think Dexter First people are putting the word everywhere and I myself have changed all of my shopping habits for myself and the store since getting involved," Davis said. "I brought my insurance from Saline to Dexter, I buy all of my hardware from Hackney, as well as groceries here ... I even get my nails done in Dexter, and I live in Ann Arbor."
Her promotion for May is 20 percent off all wedding invitations and 10 percent off all accessories.
"Wedding invitations can cost from $100 to $800 depending on what is being purchased," Davis said.
Davis' business also sells jewelry by local Kathy Stabler and various items such as bird houses and purses by local resident Patty James. "These are local people being supported by sales - that's the way this is supposed to work."
Business owners like Renee Laliberty, owner of Main Street Optometry and a doctor working out of that office, says that the percentage discounts can be deceiving.
"People with insurance for their first pair of glasses and a 50 percent discount on a second pair are getting a pretty good deal," Laliberty said.
"The absolute very best lenses with progressive bifocals and a good frame can be worth $350 in savings on a second pair," she said. "You're getting high end product."
Both Davis and Laliberty hope the discount will bring attention to their businesses and solidify their local customer base.
Other business owners are just looking for a boost in a sluggish market.
David Boyle, one of the owners of Cookie MOMster hasn't had a customer visit with a card to get their three free cookies with purchase of six yet, but he's looking forward to it.
"We'll see how it will all work out," Boyle said. "I think we need to give it a little time.
"I hope people take us up on the offer soon though."
George Borel Jr., a manager at Huron Camera says the idea is good for the job security of people like him who work and live in the community.
"From my own personal view, I'm 35-years-old and live in Dexter with my wife and child ... I really feel the impact personally of local spending and local buying," Borel said, adding that he buys all of his hardware and home goods in the village.
"Think of the economic stimulus check that everyone just received. I think you can double the impact of that in your immediate area by spending it locally, instead of buying $1,200 worth of stuff from Amazon or Best Buy.
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