 The News-Times
Date: 05.22.09
Stamford's DSSD unveils iShop discount card
By Richard Lee
STAFF WRITER
Updated: 05/21/2009 10:35:52 PM EDT
STAMFORD -- As the economy continues to struggle, the timing could not have been better for the Stamford Downtown Special Services District and 62 businesses to introduce the i-Shop Stamford Downtown discount card.
Mayor Dannel Malloy gathered with DSSD representatives and operators of some participating businesses on Thursday in front of the Avon Theatre on Bedford Street to celebrate the unveiling of the program, which gives card holders a 10 percent discount off purchases.
The DSSD is distributing 40,000 cards to downtown residents and people who work at businesses in the district. It also is available upon request, as well as at the Stamford train station, said Jacqueline Wetenhall, DSSD's director of retail development. The program is a joint effort of the DSSD and participating merchants.
"That 40,000 will grow because it has tentacles. We've already gotten calls and sent out cards," said DSSD President Sandra Goldstein. The program has a seven-month lifespan.
One participant is Butterfield 8, a restaurant that opened this month at 120 Bedford St., in a space once occupied by the Temple Bar.
"We want to bring 'lively' back to Bedford Street. People can get fine dining here," said Jackie Alberici, the restaurant's event coordinator.
The card is a way to tell people that they don't have to drive for miles on a congested highway or find a seat on a crowded train to find fine dining or excellent shopping opportunities, according to
Giuseppe Castagna, owner of Remo's Brick Oven Pizza Company at 35 Bedford St.
"They come and try, and they come back. We're trying to promote Bedford Street," said Castagna, optimistic that businesses will benefit from completion of the Royal Bank of Scotland complex and the arrival of several thousand workers, as well as the construction of condominiums and apartments in the city.
Several restaurants at Stamford Town Center, including Mitchell's Fish Market, also are participating.
"We're trying to get people to see what we have to offer," said Mark Dudek, manager of the restaurant. "We want to get people to experience the new mall."
Now that the program has been introduced, participants have the challenge of promoting it, Malloy said.
"In a difficult economy," he said, "marketing and working together has a positive impact."
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