Local merchants from four shopping districts along the new streetcar line — downtown, North Fourth Avenue, Main Gate Square and Mercado San Agustín — have joined forces to offer a summer discount program to Tucsonans sticking around during the hottest months.
The Connect in the City discount card can be bought for $5 and offers a range of savings at more than 100 local businesses. Cards are valid during June, July and August, and there is no limit on the number of times the card can be used.
“Merchants had been talking about doing something in the summer to address the 30 percent drop in sales. And it just never happened. So we decided to do something this year,” said John Jacobs, chair of the Merchant Council Leadership Committee and the owner of Maker House, a collaborative artisan, education, technology and gathering place downtown.
“Summers are rough here in Tucson. Any program that gets people out and excited is great for small businesses,” said Kira Dixon-Weinstein, executive director of Mercado San Agustín, west of downtown. “We all want to see a dynamic Tucson, and success of many small businesses working together will create that.”
The idea was born out of trying to bring all of the districts together for the July 25-27 celebration when the city’s streetcar begins running on July 25.
Each participating merchant invested $100 to be involved, which covered the cost of cards and marketing materials. Once the cards were printed, merchants were given 25 to sell, which adds up to $125. “So the program ends up being no cost,” Jacobs said.
All 110 participating merchants have cards for sale in the stores.
Aveda Institute Tucson, at 845 N. Park Ave. in Main Gate Square by the University of Arizona, is offering a 50 percent discount on any service with the Connect in the City card.
“It’s a great way to unify Tucson’s merchants and community, while giving them a relief from the heat,” said Anne Skubis, marketing director for Aveda.
Jacobs noted: “This is the first time the four districts have gotten together. The thing I was really happy with here was we all came together, and we didn’t see it as a conflict.
“We no longer see each other as competing districts. We see each other as connected, which helps our merchants, our city and our economy. When we work together, we win. I think this program sends that message.”
Here is a sample of deals from each of the four districts:
Downtown
Chicago Music Store, 130 E. Congress St.: Save $5 on $20-or-more purchase. New customers can use the discount card for a chance to win a $500 gift card.
El Charro Café, 311 N. Court Ave.: Two-for-one lunch entree. Dine-in only. Excludes carne seca. Dads eat free today on Father’s Day.
La Fashionista, 45 S. Sixth Ave.: Get 25 percent off purchase.
Maker House, 283 N. Stone Ave.: $3 craft beer bottles and 50 cents off coffee drinks.
Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway: Half off regular-priced TCB beers, well drinks, soft drinks and wine.
Main Gate Square
Auld Dubliner, 800 E. University Blvd., Suite 104: 20 percent off bill, excluding alcohol.
Boutique 816, 943 E. University Blvd., Suite 145: 15 percent off entire purchase.
Espresso Art Cafe, 942 E. University Blvd.: 20 percent off all coffee drinks, alcohol and nonalcohol beverages, and hookas.
Finally Made, 845 E. University Blvd., Suite 145: 15 percent off merchandise.
North Fourth Avenue
4th Ave. Yoga, 413 E. Fifth St.: Free class pass for new members on second visit.
Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave.: 20 percent off one item. Gift cards, tickets and textbooks excluded.
Bumsted’s Bar & Grill, 500 N. Fourth Ave.: 20 percent off storewide.
Creations Boutique, 444 N. Fourth Ave.: 15 percent off entire purchase.
Pop Cycle, 422 N. Fourth Ave.: 20 percent off of any single item costing $25 or more.
Mercado San Agustín
Agustín Kitchen, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 150: 10 percent off bill; excludes other promotions.
Blu A Wine & Cheese Stop, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 126: 15 percent off any purchase.
Estudio de Piel, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 200: 20 percent off all services, excluding specials.
Sonoran Snowcones, 120 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 120: 10 percent off snow cones.
Transit Cycles, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 116: 15 percent off regular-priced items; 5 percent off of already-reduced items; excludes bikes.
