Looking to save some money? Who isn’t, these days? If you’re like everyone else coping with the recession, The Press is happy to announce that Hot Deals is back!

After making its debut this summer for a trial run, Hot Deals has returned, and according to Press Production Manager Lonnie de Lambert, it’s here to stay. “We’re really excited about Hot Deals because this is a win-win for the community and local businesses,” de Lambert said. “Each week a local business will be offering the community deep discounts of 50 percent or more. Businesses will be getting new customers while the community will be saving money.”

Hot Deals is a time-sensitive, money-saving opportunity. A new deal is posted every Thursday, and after a predetermined number of customers sign up for the offer during the designated deal period, the deal is on and participants receive money-saving vouchers. Past Hot Deals have included discounts at Sweeney’s Grill and Bar and La Fuente Bar and Grill.

This week’s deal is for the yogurt shop Scrumdillyumptious, located on First Street in downtown Brentwood. For this deal, participants pay $5 for a voucher offering $10 worth of menu items, which includes frozen yogurt and snacks. You pay five bucks and get $10 worth of goodies. What’s not to like about that?

Since the offer needs a certain number of takers before the deal is valid, participants are encouraged to share the news about the deal with family and friends. Hot Deals have links to Facebook and Twitter, so it’s easy to spread the word about the latest deal.

To participate in Hot Deals, click the Hot Deals icon on the right side of The Press website, www.thepress.net. When you “buy in” to a deal, all you need to do is provide a credit card number. Your card won’t be charged unless the deal is activated. Once the deal sign-up period has expired on Monday, customers receive their voucher via e-mail or through their thepress.net account.

To make sure you never miss the newest deal, sign up for the Hot Deals alert and an e-mail will be sent to you to inform you of ongoing deals. If you’d prefer to get updates on your cell phone, text “HOTDEAL” to 53535 to receive mobile alerts.

While the community is saving money, local business owners are reaping the rewards, too. Participating in Hot Deals is a free service to businesses interested in snagging new customers.

“With Hot Deals, businesses are getting a lot of local exposure,” said Press Account Executive Michele Chatburn. “Hot Deals is actively promoted online at thepress.net and in the newspaper, so a participating business is getting approximately $1,000 of free advertising, whether the deal tips or not. Plus offering deals is a way to get new customers and give your repeat customers another reason to come back. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Businesses interested in participating in Hot Deals should e-mail Chatburn at michele@thepress.net or call 925-634-1441, ext. 128. To learn more about Hot Deals, click here.