BVI BUSINESSES OFFERING MAJOR DISCOUNTS FOR VACCINATED CUSTOMERS. VACCINE EXPIRATION DATE QUICKLY APPROACHING.

In a fervent effort to get residents vaccinated, local BVI businesses have begun offering huge discounts for customers who can present a valid Covid-19 vaccination card.

This concerted effort marries the Government’s agenda to achieve herd immunity by vaccinating the majority of the population before the vaccines expire in May, June & July respectively.

Clarence Thomas Limited (CTL) is offering a 10% discount off all purchases from now until the end of May for consumers who present a BVI Vaccination card.

Chief Operations Officer of CTL, David Thomas said “we decided to do the whole vaccine discount because the country was already at a stage where Government was making sound like if we’re not vaccinated, you’re not going to open up the door so we (CTL) decided to change the messaging on the vaccine. While we’re not forcing anybody to take the vaccine, we want to encourage you to get vaccinated. And if you have already been vaccinated, why not get some savings in the store?”

Mr. Thomas continued “let’s face it; we’re at a point where it’s sink or swim for the country and I think we all want to swim. So yes, CTL decided to take the lead and let the public know that we’re all in this together.”

Clarence Thomas Limited isn’t the only company trying to get customers pumped up about immunity.

Retail & wholesale giant, Road Town Wholesale is also offering a 10% discount for the inoculated.

Managing Director of RTW Neil Hayes said “we want to make people feel good about taking a positive step and getting vaccinated and that’s why we’re really pleased to give everyone who gets the vaccine a voucher for 10% off their shop at Riteway. For these people who were vaccinated previously, this voucher will be made available on their 2nd vaccination.”

Mr. Hayes said this ties in with the company’s overall agenda to support the national vaccination rollout.

“The team here at RTW have been very keen to help with the vaccination program in a number of different ways. Initially, we were involved in collecting the vaccine from the airport in one of our refrigerator and we’ve also provided space for the safe storage of the vaccine by our Pasea store. And last Saturday, we had the privilege of vaccines actually being administered here, upstairs in our Pasea store. We provided refreshments and had a brilliant system where you could shop whilst you waited for your vaccines we used electronic pagers that beep and vibrate when it’s your turn.”

RTW is also hosting another vaccination clinic on site on Saturday April 17th.

Although most people won’t change their mind on the vaccine solely because of a discount, promotions like this could help build enthusiasm around the vaccines overall.

Globally, the push to get shots in arms before fast-approaching expiration dates has now morphed into a freebie frenzy with businesses ranging from marijuana dispensaries to donut companies.

The companies say the idea is to support the worldwide vaccination rollout at a critical time– and if a side effect is a boost for business, all the better.

They said successful mass vaccination equals a small step toward normalcy. And normalcy, for business, is everything.