Make a difference - save a buck
Here are a few great little shopping tips, tricks and trades on the west side of Ann Arbor. Today, not only do I deliver to you a shopping discount but I also bring to you an opportunity to make a difference.
Nicola’s Books in the Westgate Shopping Center at Jackson Avenue and Maple Road, has a Loyalty Program that I think you’re going to love. It’s really quite simple. Every time you make a purchase: book, audio book or calendar, the computer tabulates your spending. For every $150 you spend, you receive a $6 coupon. The coupon can then be redeemed in one of three ways:
1. You can redeem it at your next purchase.
2. You can cash it out on the spot if you are not a devoted coupon keeper.
3. You can choose to donate all or part of it to the three non-profit organizations Nicola’s Bookstore supports, and the store will match your donation. For example, your $6 becomes $12. The three organizations are Washtenaw Literacy, Mott Children’s Hospital Giving Library and The Salvation Army.
Owner Nicola Rooney told me, “Thanks to the generosity of our customers, Nicola's Books is able to donate several thousand dollars to these non-profits each year. One more way that your choice to buy local really does makes a difference.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Sun and Snow has a clearance sale going on in the Westgate parking lot through Aug. 15. They also now offer a custom foot lab. You can visit Sun and Snow's Web site to find out more at www.sunandsnow.com.
Travel Leaders/American Center Travel has a winter vacation special. Call for more details at 734-827-1030 or visit the Web site at www.travelleaders.com.
Stop by The Quarter Bistro & Tavern for some great Louisiana cuisine Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 p.m.-6:30 p.m. You can enjoy half-off appetizers and discounts on drinks. Live entertainment this Saturday from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. by Delirious Love Band. Call 734-929-9200 to make your reservations or to find out more.
Comments
Julanne Williams
Wed, Aug 19, 2009 : 11:08 a.m.
Jake - thanks so much for the comment and catching my typo - ugh! Certainly appreciate the humor. Obviously we want you to buy LOCAL. My understanding and the beauty of Nicola's program is that there is no card you have to remember to bring. I'm with you - all the card programs are getting cumbersome. However, with Nicola's program the information is stored under your unique account number which can be your phone number if you like. Easy to remember and no searching for cards. Hope that helps! And thanks again for catching my error.
ChildeJake
Wed, Aug 19, 2009 : 10:32 a.m.
Okay, now that I have stopped chuckling. You might want to consider proofing bullet #2--unless the current wording is really what I get to cash out. And Nicola Rooney wants me to "buy jocal"? I'm a bit cynical about "Loyalty Programs". These days whenever I see a sale sign in a store, I read the fine print to see if I'm required to have the store's "membership card" to get the deal. Yuck! My wallet is full of these annoying cards. But yeah, the book drive sounds awesome. Good for them! Borders has a similar drive too with three locations and lots of local employees. Hopefully such charitable drives remain infectious.