Merrick chamber maps out local businesses to market members

Since small businesses are taking a hit amid the coronavirus pandemic, Merrick’s new and improved MapToons booklet dropped at the perfect time, Chamber of Commerce President Femy Aziz said.

Prior to Covid-19, Mark and Doug Snider, the founders of MapToons, went door to door to Merrick’s business owners to explain the concept: a colorful, whimsical map — and marketing tool — that provides an overview of the businesses in town. The maps are mailed to every home and business in the community, distributed by participating merchants and issued by chambers as “a fun way to promote local businesses,” Aziz said.

“The last time we did a MapToons was 2007, and we were lucky enough to get it all done before the shutdown,” she added. “All the businesses get a laminated map and a considerable amount of copies to give to customers. For what you’re getting, it’s definitely worth it — people will keep these maps for a long period of time.”

Merrick’s new MapToons booklet includes a message from the chamber, a shopper’s discounts listing, a directory of 180 local businesses and an illustrated map of the town. There is also an interactive version available online (https://www.maptoons.li/merrick-2020.html), which links residents, newcomers and visitors to businesses featured on the map itself.

Using the app “Shopper’s Discount Card,” Merokeans can access discounts and other offers at 40 local businesses listed in the booklet to put towards goods or services. For example, at Serengeti Design Studios, Aziz’s business, shoppers can claim one free 8x10 print, no purchase necessary.

The Sniders dropped off Merrick’s maps at the post office on July 23, and since then Aziz has received nothing but positive feedback. “Anything positive like this is always well-received, and it’s something to be proud of,” she said. “It’s going to be tough for businesses moving forward, but the businesses that did participate are very happy to have made their mark on the map.”

Copies of Merrick’s MapToons can be picked up free of charge at participating businesses — this reporter got hers at Colony Cards (1984 Merrick Road). For more information, visit www.maptoons.li.