Nassau County senior discount program connects older residents with savings at local businesses
More than 450 businesses participate in county initiative designed to support seniors and small businesses.
Some of the most loyal customers at Madison's Niche in Garden City are seniors, according to Joann Casa.
"They're a repeat customer and they're extremely, extremely loyal," Casa said.
Madison's Niche is one of more than 450 businesses participating in Nassau County's Senior Discount Program. The initiative was launched in 2023 by Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips as part of a partnership with the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce.
Phillips said the program was created with two goals in mind: helping older residents save money and supporting local businesses.
"It was really for two reasons. One, to support the people who built our community, our seniors, over 300,000 seniors living in Nassau County. But we also wanted to support small businesses. Most people don't know that over 40% of our revenue for the county comes from sales tax," Phillips said.
The county provides an online dashboard that allows businesses to enroll in the program quickly. Seniors can use a searchable online portal to find participating businesses throughout Nassau County.
For those who prefer a printed resource, the Comptroller's Office also offers a booklet listing participating businesses.
"If they call our office, we'll mail them one," Phillips said.
Participating businesses display decals in their storefront windows, making it easier for seniors to identify locations that offer discounts.
"As we were walking down here we saw quite a few," Phillips said.
Meanwhile, Casa said the program helps businesses build and strengthen relationships with longtime customers.
"It's not only about the discount," Casa said.
She said those relationships often extend beyond simple transactions.
"I know some of them by name, and then I know their grandchildren. So that's really, really special," Casa said.
