I am happy that we are close to a Malibu Retail Ordinance and hope there are no legal issues with landlords and chain retailers. An ordinance is one thing, actually shopping local is another. I realize even with an ordinance for local business and local rent discounts, it’s hard to make a local buck. Saying that, I still would like to make the following suggestions for our community.
There should be a Malibu Local Discount Program for Malibu residents, 5% to 20% based on the type of business. Each owner could decide on their own discount and would be participating in the Malibu Local Program (MLP). Perhaps the MLP would add a little extra discount for local seniors.
Malibu City (perhaps with volunteers) would develop the MLP by working with above participating establishments, somehow keep track of individual local usage at our Malibu establishments and give stipends (money/awards) to locals and business with the most participation. The city would publish who is in the program so locals will know and support even more. A system would have to be worked out to keep track.
For example, locals would present as an ID a Malibu Punch Card. Establishments could keep a clip board or some method of keeping track of discounts they give. The above would be sent to Malibu City or a volunteer for the city to compile the results. The stipend from the city could be given quarterly.
Offering a discount for many business establishments can be difficult, but more customers at a discount is more profitable then not having that customer. I know that buying local can be more expensive in many business establishments and offering a program such as above would improve our local business support.
Thank you to the business establishments that currently offer discounts and especially discounts to our locals.
I hope the Malibu City Council will explore such a plan.
David M. Kramer