I hope most of you will be able to answer a resounding “yes” to this question. Did you recently receive a “Shop Peabody” card in your city water bill? I got mine! I have used it a couple of times. I need to remember to use it more often to get great deals, service, savings, and even free stuff from local businesses. I have plenty of time to remember to use it because, guess what? It is good for a full year. I can use it over and over again.

It looks just like a credit card and it sports the outline of Peabody’s downtown buildings on the front and a list of bargains and special deals for the cardholder on the back. Peabody Economic Development sponsored the cards and lined-up participating businesses willing to offer incentives to local customers. The economic development committee paid to have the cards produced and the city agreed to insert them in all water bills.

There are additional cards available at the city building and, according to Shane Marler, who works part-time for economic development as well as Peabody Main Street Association. They are available on a first come, first served basis to anyone who wants one.

“We don’t care who asks for one,” Marler said. “As long as they are willing to use it, we are happy to give them one.” So any of you in the Peabody area who shop here are welcome to a card. Just stop by the city building and ask. (And remember that offer is good only while supplies last!)

Keep the card in your wallet, above your sun visor, or in your car console. That way it will be close-by when you go into a store belonging to any of the 11 participating merchants and you will walk away with a bargain, a discount, or something free. Pretty good deal, huh? A sneak preview of the goodies available includes decent discounts on total sales at some stores or on specific products or services at others. Free merchandise is available as well. Your hometown newspaper will let you renew or purchase one subscription and get a second one at half price (the second one needs to be for a different individual than the first). You can rent a movie at the regular price at Peabody Market and get a second at no charge (a worthwhile offer during this week when the kids are home for spring break.) A line of bowling at Peabody Lanes at the regular rate will get you additional games at half price. I won’t tell you item by item what is available from the 11 businesses. I want you to be surprised!

Use your card so you become familiar with the merchants’ offerings. If you don’t have one, stop by the city building to get one. The politicians keep telling us they want us to spend, spend, spend. Here is your chance to help jump-start the economy, but you also can save while you are doing it. Shhh, we won’t tell anyone.

— Susan Marshall