At the City Council meeting on Monday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the Buy Local Orlando smart phone application is now available for download in the Apple iTunes Store.
Launched in 2009 as part of the City’s Strengthen Orlando initiative, the goal of Buy Local Orlando is to connect Orlando’s businesses with the buying power of residents. Many of the program’s merchant members offer special discounts to consumers that present a free Buy Local Orlando consumer card during purchase.
Now, consumers can redeem any special offers at participating businesses using the free smart phone application which provides GPS-driven merchant information, including discounts, to mobile users.
The phone app launch comes just weeks after the launch of a new and improved website at buylocalorlando.com which allows consumers to search for participating businesses by category and neighborhood.
“We are excited that these program additions will further enhance local spending and make it easier for Orlando consumers to support our City’s businesses when shopping for goods and services, especially this holiday season,” said Mayor Dyer.
The enhanced website and phone app allows businesses to reach consumers in a more robust, customized manner by controlling the timing and terms of any special offers or events without giving up revenue to a third party.
City of Orlando merchants can obtain membership in Buy Local Orlando by visiting the website. An annual membership fee of $99 applies.
The Android version of the app will launch in the coming weeks. Consumers without a smart phone will still be able to support the program and take advantage of any special offers or discounts by using the free Buy Local Orlando consumer cards, which can be printed from the website.
