On Wednesday, Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV) and the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (CCIVS) presented a brand new program to stimulate the local economy during the holiday season: the prepaid card powered by Hello.

Until December 1, residents are invited to obtain a prepaid Visa card, Hello, to do their holiday shopping at nearly 110 regional merchants already registered. The initiative is designed to boost spending in local shops across the region.

To encourage local purchases, DEV and the CCIVS are offering a generous 30% bonus on the amount paid by the consumer. This means that the consumer's budget is boosted, and additional dollars will be spent in participating stores.

In concrete terms, a consumer who buys a $100 card will receive a $130 prepaid card. In all, $12,000 will be allocated by these organizations to support local merchants.

Please note that, to enable more people to obtain the prepaid card, citizens may not purchase more than one card.

A helping hand for citizens and merchants

According to the latest report from Deloite, Canadians will be spending less this holiday season. In fact, the budget allocated to holiday spending in Canadian households will be reduced by 11% by 2023. 

"In these studies, we also talk about consumers looking to spend intelligently. So they want to know what's on offer, they want to know who they're dealing with, they want service, they want an exceptional customer experience. That's what our local retailers are all about. Canadians will also broaden their gift search to find the best possible offers. That's why we've decided to add a new initiative, a new component this year to the Buy Local campaign, with the Hello prepaid cards," explains Isabelle Mercier, Business Development Commissioner at Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

"According to data obtained from the supplier at the start of the program, they determined that the money spent in merchants was over 57% more. The person who comes in with his $130 isn't going to be satisfied with his $130, he's going to spend maybe $150. That's another interesting fact," adds CCIVS General Manager Mathieu Miljours.

To encourage the public to visit merchants and meet local businesses and restaurateurs, the card can only be used in businesses with a street address. It is therefore not valid in online stores.

"We have also eliminated certain categories of businesses, in particular anything related to everyday goods, i.e. pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. The card is not valid in online stores. Larger stores of 10,000 square feet or more are not included. Given the limited budget we have here, it didn't make sense to go with these big players for the time being," explained Ms. Mercier. 

Participating in the prepaid card campaign, La Forge d'or jewelry store owner Tanya Desforges invites merchants to join the movement.

"As a business that has been around for several years, it was a natural step for us to take part in the campaign. Our main clientele is from Vaudreuil-Soulanges. Our reputation has been built up over the years thanks to our local clientele. It's part of our corporate and family values. It's really very simple to participate. There's no cost to us, just a two-minute visit to make sure our terminal can accept the prepaid card. There's no purchase involved. Plus, it's great visibility for merchants," she tells Néomédia. 

Corporate component for businesses

In addition to the offer to the general public, a corporate component is also available for companies wishing to offer Hello cards to their employees, an original way of rewarding them
while promoting local purchasing.

"We've had a number of requests from employers for an employee rewards program that would promote local purchasing. When we began discussing the prepaid card project, we saw the opportunity to add this corporate offer to meet this demand from our employers in the region," added Mr. Miljours. 

The corporate offer differs from the offer aimed at the general population, in that the cards are not upgraded. That said, the card will still be limited in the same local businesses that are part of the Hello campaign. 

The corporate offer differs from the offer aimed at the general population, in that the cards are not upgraded. That said, the card will still be limited to the same local businesses that are part of the Hello campaign. 

"For entrepreneurs, the program is managed by the CCIVS for the simple reason that we wanted to make it as easy as possible for businesses. So, companies interested in getting cards for their employees should contact the CCIVS and we'll follow up to pass on the vouchers. The aim was to keep it as flexible and easy as possible for businesses," adds Mr. Miljours. 

"Merchants embody values of centrality. Through us, a sense of belonging and community spirit develops. We make people want to live, meet and play in their own community. I invite residents to get their cards today. Local businesses are at the heart of neighbourhood life," concluded Lucie Bourbonnais, Chair of the Shops, Local Services and Restaurants Committee and owner of La Ribouldingue boutique. 

To get your Hello card or find out more about this innovative program, we invite you to visit our website at www.achatlocalvs.com.