CityScape Introduces Downtown Discount Card

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – This weekend will herald the debut of the new CityScape discount card.

The card, which will be sold beginning Small Business Saturday at two locations initially, will offer discounts or premiums on dining, purchases and services at some 20 participating Youngstown businesses, primarily ones downtown.

“This idea had been floating around with different groups over the last several years,” said Phil Kidd, associate director of CityScape.

After Kidd joined CityScape in February, he and executive director Sharon Letson discussed possible fundraising opportunities and decided the discount card would be a good idea. Proceeds from sale of the cards – which are priced at $10 – will go toward CityScape’s downtown beautification operations.

“We thought it would work really well with the holiday season because we’re going to put a 2016 timeline on it so the card will be good all of next year,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll do it every year.”

Among the participating businesses are downtown area restaurants including Avalon Downtown, Cassese’s MVR, the Fifth Floor and Christopher’s Downtown. Other businesses participating include Platt Insurance & Financial, which has an office downtown, Kingly Car Wash, the Soap Gallery and Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology.

Outside the downtown area, Café Augustine, lin the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s Newport Branch, will offer a free cookie with lunch weekdays and $1 off Saturday breakfast.

The card identifies all of the participating businesses.

An initial 2,500 cards have been printed, Kidd said. The cards initially will be sold at the MVR as well as Kidd’s Youngstown Nation store. Additional sale locations will be added as more cards arrive.

Businesses operators were “generally receptive” to the idea, which they felt was “almost a no-brainer,” not only because the card will help drive business but also will help improve the downtown environment, Kidd said.

“We are all about collaboration in the downtown. Any way we can contribute to encouraging individuals and families to engage in our city’s offerings, we’re on board,” said Sarra Mohn, an owner of the Soap Gallery art studio. Soap Gallery is offering cardholders 10% off the total bill for purchases.

Platt Insurance will give a $10 downtown gift card with each new quote. “It’s important for downtown businesses to join together to help generate business and activity downtown,” remarked Ellie Platt, president and principal agent of Platt Insurance. She praised CityScape for taking the lead in bringing downtown businesses together.

Shopping local, as the cards promote, support the local economy, particularly in Youngstown, Kidd said.

“We’re seeing a downtown that’s finally experiencing some growth that’s sustainable,” Kidd said. “The more money we’re investing in these businesses keeps this momentum growing, and as the momentum grows we’re going to see more investment happening and hopefully more development.

“And then, another 10 years from now, who knows where we’ll be?”

Pictured: Phil Kidd.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.