Here's a perk for Bloomingdale residents

Bloomingdale residents can save cash on gas, haircuts and other purchases around town for the next 10 days.

In honor of the village's 175th anniversary, the Bloomingdale Business Promotion & Cultural Development Committee has sent special discount cards to every household and business in the community.

The so-called B Card entitles cardholders to discounts, gifts and offers at 136 participating businesses, including 52 shops at Stratford Square mall. The cards, which must be shown at the time of purchase, are valid today through March 16.

"This is the first thing (the business promotion committee) has been able to do directly for the businesses, and it doesn't cost the businesses anything," said Mary Ellen Johnson, the committee secretary.

"The whole premise was to encourage Bloomingdale residents to shop in Bloomingdale," she added.

One hot promotion includes $40,000 in free upgrades when someone buys a new townhouse from Toll Brothers at the Bloomingdale Walk subdivision, at the southwest corner of Schick Road and Springfield Drive.

Other offers include discounts on food, mattresses, maid service, dry cleaning and eye gear.

"There's lots of great deals on there, and, truthfully, I think the businesses that will do best are people that will give the best deals," Johnson said.

Committee members spent eight months organizing the shopping promotion, which they consider a win-win situation for residents and businesses.

John Vertnik, a longtime member of the committee, hopes the event will encourage in-house shopping.

"We want to just say we have a lot of things right here in town," he said. "Hopefully, (residents and employees) will take advantage of this."

So far, the committee has gotten an overwhelming response from businesses in town. Depending on how many shoppers take advantage of the sales, the committee may organize similar events annually.

"If we do it again," Johnson said, "it might even be better."

If you go

What: Bloomingdale's B Card promotion

When: Today through March 16

Where: 136 participating businesses in Bloomingdale, including 52 at Stratford Square mall

Cost: Free

Information: Visit www.villageofbloomingdale.org.