AIKEN – A local’s men’s clothing store is providing its own “stimulus” program for downtown customers.

Lionel Smith Ltd, an Aiken downtown business that sells middle to upper end men’s clothing, will give a check equaling the amount of the sales tax to any customer who spends $200 or more, said owner Van Smith.

The check can be used at any Aiken Downtown Development Association member business, he said.

“It’s not oddball for someone to spend $1,000 here,” Mr. Smith said. “If they spend that amount, they have $70 they can spend at an ADDA business. It’s showing support for Aiken’s downtown.”

Mr. Smith began the tax incentive program last week, and customers will have the opportunity to receive “stimulus checks” until Dec. 15, said ADDA executive director Clara Cloud. Mr. Smith is sharing 7 percent of his business’s income with his fellow downtown businesses, Mrs. Cloud said.

“Uncle Sam’s got nothing on Lionel Smith,” she said. “Kudos to Van Smith for coming up with such an innovative idea to help stimulate spending in downtown Aiken.”

Mr. Smith said customers can use their checks up until Dec. 31.

“I hope this helps people realize what all we have to offer downtown,” he said. “Small business seems to have been left out as far as stimulus funds, so I hope this can give everyone more customers.”

Those with questions about the program, can contact Mr. Smith at (803) 648-2100.