A smartphone app that Juneau businesses have been using to facilitate rewards and rebate programs is now available for Haines merchants and customers.

The app, called Loyal Frequency, is aimed to incentivize buying locally and help businesses retain customers.

“Local Frequency is an app-based loyalty and rewards program, similar to the Starbucks app, McDonald's app, Subway app. The catch is it’s exclusive for local businesses,” said Katelyn Combs of Juneau Economic Development Council. “For the customer it really is a cool app because multiple local businesses are on it. You can see special offers, discounts all in one place.”

Juneau Economic Development Council launched the app in Juneau last year and is now helping to roll it out in Petersburg and Haines, along with Haines Economic Development Corporation. It can be downloaded from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

Each business that uses the app will have a customized profile to describe its own rewards program and promote discounts and offers. Shoppers will be able to upload “Local Dollars” to their accounts to spend at participating stores, eventually earning cash rewards, rebates or the fruits of whatever loyalty program businesses want to implement. Customers also will have the option to round up purchases to donate to local nonprofits that sign up.

“Merchants and shoppers can download the app now,” said HEDC executive director Lee Hart. “I think once people see how it rewards folks for frequenting some of the savvy businesses in Juneau, Haines merchants will be inspired to get on the app too. Customers can talk it up with their favorite Haines merchants too, the more the merrier.”

The app is free for shoppers but will cost $25 per month for businesses starting Jan. 1. Combs said now is the “perfect time” for merchants to sign up for free and test the app out during the holiday season before deciding if they want to continue with it once monthly payments are required.

More information about the app can be found at juneau.localfrequency.com. Interested merchants can contact Combs at kcombs@jedc.org to sign up.

The app also has been implemented in Durango, Colorado, and the Canadian province of Manitoba, where it was started.

In Juneau, 23 businesses and 1,684 shoppers use it. Combs said those numbers have grown each month since the app launched in early 2021.

In other news, HEDC recently hired Cindy Zuluaga Jimenez as part-time deputy director. Jimenez owns and operates Spruce & Birch Acres, a small flower farm in town.

Jimenez will help launch the Local Frequency app and will work on other HEDC projects like updating Haines’ economic development five-year strategic plan as well as the organization’s trail and recreation grant projects.