Bellgoods Redemption in East Flatbush is drawing customers by offering a 6-cent return for each bottle or can, exceeding the 5 cents provided by competitors. Customers appreciate this extra incentive, mentioning how it helps with small expenses. Operating partner Val Leykin noted the increased volume of customers from various areas due to this strategy. However, he faces challenges such as high rent and a struggling industry where inflations affect operations. Leykin hopes state proposals will increase return rates, potentially improving sustainability for their business.
Every little bit counts in this economy," says East Flatbush resident Normal Phillips, who is one of the regulars there, while Jerry Cumberbatch, who lives in Canarsie, says the little bit adds up and "helps you take care of small bills.
To say "people go out of their way would be an understatement. We have people come from all sides of Brooklyn, all sides of Queens. We had a customer that came down from the Bronx.
Inflation goes up, overhead goes up, everything goes up, your two and a half, three and a half cents remains steady and flat. Right now, nobody is making money in this industry.
The only hope is if the state approves a proposal that would raise the customer return amount to 10 cents, and the store amount to 15."
Collection
[
|
...
]