As everyone waits for the outcome of this week’s debate on tax reform, some business owners are taking it into their own hands to try and boost the local economy and support each other.
Alex Argo of Ideal Furnishings came up with an idea earlier this year, that he put into action during the World Cup.
It went so well that he’s continued it throughout this year and is planning to use it to support other businesses throughout next year too.
His idea was very simple: for every sale completed at Ideal Furnishings during the tournament, his customer would receive a £50 gift voucher for China Red.
“The idea came upon us, where we thought we could give someone a takeaway for the World Cup.
“So we went further, and thought the sales guys could offer a £50 voucher to complete the sale, and the customer could watch the World Cup and enjoy a meal from China Red.”
Mr Argo ended up buying £2,500 worth of vouchers for the popular eatery, sending multiple customers to Eddie Sum and team at St George’s Esplanade.
“We gave them a substantial amount of money,” Mr Argo added. “It got me thinking about what we could do next for businesses.”
The idea has grown since then with other local businesses now working with Mr Argo and the team at Ideal Furnishings.
If a customer completed a purchase during August, they received a voucher for Surf n Turf.
“We sat down in store and thought, ‘who can we do next?’ We tried to think what would the customer like, and we went through tons of businesses and thought someone like Surf n Turf, you could get your Sunday dinner in.
“We approached Jason (Hamon), and he’s like, ‘Yeah, it’s a great idea’. So we gave him £1,500 for the month, and then thought, ‘What else do we do?’, so this month (September) it’s been Fletcher Sports.”
Other businesses lined up to support the scheme this autumn and into next year include Creaseys, Ray and Scott, Cobo Butchers, Islands Unlimited, and Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop, along with hotels and restaurants such as Le Friquet Hotel’s Lobster and Grill, Les Rocquettes Hotel, Crepe Maison, and the recently opened Mexican restaurant Sazon.
Mr Argo said they’ve all been chosen because they are locally owned and run businesses.
“I think we need to keep it local,” he said. “Support the guys that are paying their local rents, the chains have all got their big margins and they can go with it, but we need to support each other.”
What started as a fun idea for the World Cup has now grown into something much bigger, that Mr Argo hopes will act as an economic enabler for his own business and others.
He has further plans to grow the scheme more in the future.
“In January, instead of going for a generic sale we’re now going to support two businesses. We’ve got a few in mind.”
The summer sale period will also see customers receiving vouchers for two different local businesses.
“We’re not going to go into the generic 10% or 15% off. Instead we’re going to offer that discount in vouchers to local businesses.”
As well as that idea and working with established businesses, he wants to support start-ups and small entrepreneurs, especially those working in the area around his own store’s location.
“I’d like to see what happens, but the next thing is to spread it more. Yes, we’re doing the more established businesses to start with, but I’d like to start at the bottom of Mill Street and say ‘okay, we’re supporting you this month’, and if our customer doesn’t go and spend the £50, we’ve still given you £1,500 or £2,000, and that’s three or four months’ rent covered.
“It might help a little business through 2028 and that’s my kind of idea for the future of it.”
