Holly’s Loyalty Punch Cards: A Novel Approach to Support Small Businesses

(Oakland County Times, March 9, 2024)

Holly, MI – In an era dominated by digital transactions and cashless payments, an old-fashioned concept is making a comeback in Holly: loyalty punch cards.

Small businesses in Holly are turning to this tried-and-tested method to not only retain customers but also to navigate the challenges posed by economic uncertainty.

The simplicity of loyalty punch cards lies in their tangible nature. Customers receive a physical card and will receive one punch for each purchase at each shop they go to! There is one card that can be used at many shops in the Holly area. After the card is full you just leave it at the shop you are at, and you will be entered into a gift card drawing from your choice of a participating Holly Main Street store!

“It’s also about building relationships,” says Main Street Director Nick Klempp “Our hope is that the punch cards create a sense of connection with customers, and they know they’re appreciated, and it keeps them coming back to shop in Holly!”

For small businesses, loyalty punch cards offer several advantages. Firstly, they foster customer loyalty, encouraging patrons to choose them over larger chain stores. Moreover, in an age where face-to-face interaction is increasingly rare, loyalty punch cards provide an opportunity for personal engagement. “We are trying to remind people about the greatness of human connection in a small town and the importance of helping these small business owners operate because many times they are the ones helping our community and caring for those in need. Not to mention when you support small business you are supporting local families and all their endeavors” says Klempp

By encouraging residents to shop locally, they help to sustain small businesses, which are the lifeblood of many communities. This, in turn, supports job creation and economic growth at the grassroots level.

It is tough right now in the small business world, especially in the time after Christmas and before Spring hits and many people don’t stop to think about shopping local. The hope of Holly Main Street is that the loyalty punch cards will be a little reminder of the importance of shopping small. In an increasingly digital world, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.

The Main Street Holly punch card goes through the end of March and you can punch as many cards as you can through that time! There will be a drawing at the end of February and another at the end of March for gift cards at one of the following Main Street shops;

Altered Designs

Backroads Bar & Grill

Battle Alley Coffee Company

Bittersweet Café

Blue Willow Exchange

Blumz of Holly

BOHO Aesthetics

Creative Fashions

Cupcakes and Kisses