W. Dundee may extend discounts

A new discount program aimed at encouraging West Dundee residents to shop and dine locally could be offered four times per year after the village received positive feedback from participating businesses.

The village board Monday discussed offering discount cards to residents that could be redeemed at local retailers when the village's quarterly newsletter is sent out. No action was taken at the committee of the whole meeting.

"The response was positive and, from a staff perspective, it is a program that is worth pursuing, " Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said.

In its autumn newsletter, the village supplied a discount card good for 10 percent off at 10 local restaurants, as well as another card redeemable for various discounts at 27 retail stores. The program concluded at the end of the year.

Community Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko said restaurants were more successful than retail stores. Tymoszenko also said there was a wide range of use - from chain restaurants in Spring Hill Mall to businesses in the downtown area.

The top four restaurants were Maxwell's Hot Dogs, Emmett's Tavern, Reginas Via 31 and Francesca's Campagna, while Red Wing Shoes, Famous Labels, Fannie Mae and Spa Bleu were the most successful merchants.

Village staff suggested offering the discounts four times per year, starting with the March newsletter.

"This is proactive. We are trying to get people in the community to shop in stores in West Dundee," Village President Larry Keller said. "And the merchants appreciate the volume and foot traffic in their stores, so from that standpoint, it is a win-win situation."

Trustees asked staff to consider offering the coupon online to save on printing and mailing expenses. Printing and mailing cost the village about $1,300 - of which $900 was spent inserting the card into the newsletter.

Village staff will develop a plan to be presented to the board for approval at a later date.