(Image from TheMilkDistrict.org)
ORLANDO | The Milk District, an Orlando neighborhood named for the T.G. Lee dairy in its area, announced April 9 a new program aimed at increasing economic stability for district businesses effected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Milk Money, certificates purchased from The Milk District’s website, is a way for Orlando shoppers to support businesses in the district while also saving money themselves.
“We were really looking for a way to have a large impact on our businesses that continue to operate through COVID-19 and a way to seed quick recovery once other businesses can re-open,” said Milk District Board President Julie Matura in a statement. “It’s our hope that our community will use the Milk Money to support neighborhood businesses that make Orlando a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
Here is how it works: Go to TheMilkDistrict.org/MilkMoney and purchase Milk Money certificates for $7.50 each. Those certificates can later be redeemed at participating businesses for a value of $10. The $2.50 savings per certificate will be covered by The Milk District and not the business allowing the business to obtain the full sales price while the purchaser still receives a discount.
Milk Money is one way local businesses are trying to keep sales up during a time when all industries are feeling the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Falon Quillen, owner of Etoile Boutique, said sales at her vintage boutique have shifted online through the company’s Instagram stories.
“Using social media as an e-commerce platform helps us to stay personally connected to our customers through one-on-one direct messaging and allows us to continue to style Orlando the only way we can at the moment, virtually,” Quillen said.
The Milk District will mail out Milk Money as soon as it is ordered which can be saved for businesses once they re-open and to be used for businesses still open during Orange County’s Stay-At-Home order.
Participating businesses include:
-À La Cart
-Beefy King
-Dixie Dharma at Market on South
-Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar
-Etoile Boutique
-Easy Luck Coffee and Bodega
-Eola General
-Face Place Boutique
-Gringos Locos Milk District
-Juice Bar
-Mosaic Hair Studio & Blowout Bar Milk District
-MX Taco
-Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria
-Se7enbites
-Stasio’s Italian Deli and Market
-Swan City Bagels at Eola General
-The Nook on Robinson
-Valhalla Bakery at Market on South
-Wavelength Coffee (available at Market on South and Eola General)
According to The Milk District, additional businesses will be added as time goes on. For more information, visit TheMilkDistrict.org/MilkMoney.
