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Downtown Timmins Business Improvement Area (BIA) is stepping up its ‘shop local’ efforts with a new Gift Card program as part of efforts to drive sales and footfall downtown.
The new Downtown Timmins Gift Card replaces the previous paper gift certificate program and can be spent with a variety of participating businesses including retail, hospitality and services.
Cory Robin, Executive Director at Downtown Timmins BIA, said:
“The paper gift certificates had their challenges. The new Gift Card will be easier for customers to use as they will be able to view a list of participating businesses right from their phone, buy a variety of denominations up to $500, and easily check the balance on the card. Businesses will get paid quickly, saving them time.
“Downtown Timmins has everything you need, and our new Gift Card includes everything you need. Timmins has a strong, community focused mining industry, so this Gift Card will be ideal for organizations to use as employee appreciation gifts. Employees can come downtown and use their Gift Card to go for a meal, get their nails done or visit a physiotherapist, or go shopping. It’s putting money into people’s hands and making it easy to shop local.”
A business which accepts the new Downtown Timmins Gift Card is Altered Reality, which has operated downtown for over 20 years. Owner Mike Young said:
“Altered Reality carries a variety of lines including used books, movies, music and video games. Our main draw is our metaphysical section including jewelry, crystals, sage and so much more. We’re participating in the new Gift Card program because this is a new concept for Downtown Timmins using a high tech format over the old paper gift certificates. Downtown retailers can receive their funds without the hassle of bringing them to the Downtown Timmins BIA office. This process is much more secure for all parties.
“There are marketing opportunities to draw people downtown to shop over the online businesses that are not a part of our community. It keeps money local which creates and supports employment at not only downtown businesses but throughout the city.”
Sherry McNeil Tremblay, Chair of the Downtown Timmins BIA, said the introduction of the Gift Card is an exciting development for the local business community:
“We’re thrilled about the positive impact that we think the Downtown Timmins Gift Card will bring to our downtown. It’s a flexible gifting option that gives people the opportunity to enjoy and explore what downtown has to offer, including a diverse range of experiences. For our businesses, participating in the Gift Card is a way for them to attract new customers. It really is a win-win for everyone.”
The technology for the Downtown Timmins Gift Card is provided by fintech Miconex in association with international payments technology solutions provider EML Payments. Miconex operates its Downtown Gift Card concept across Canada.
The Downtown Timmins Gift Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company, part of Peoples Group. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any other government deposit insurer or agency. Funds do not expire, are non-reloadable and have no cash access. For Cardholder Agreement or Customer Service: www.getmybalance.com or 1-833-558-1108.
