A new gift card, believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland, is already making a huge difference by helping to keep money in the local economy, according to independent Perth businesses.
The Perth Card programme allows users to spend pre-paid money at a variety of retail and hospitality businesses across the city. Over £4,000-worth of cards has already been sold.
Exel Wines is one of the businesses to sign up for the scheme. Russell Wallace, General Manager, said the card was an “instant must” to get involved with.
He added: “We are really excited to see this project expand from its initial successful launch and be a boost to independent businesses in Perth.”
Digital marketing firm Miconex, which launched the card in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council and Scandinavian firm Presend, is hoping to roll out further card programmes across the country.
Similar projects in Scandinavia have generated as much as £500,000 to the local economy.
Colin Munro, Chief Executive at Perth-headquartered Miconex, said: “It essentially works in exactly the same way as any gift card, but instead of being limited to one retail outlet this can be used in various unconnected shops throughout the city.”
Perth & Kinross Council’s City Development Team has been keen to support the project and helped fund some of the initial cost for the businesses involved and much of the initial marketing expenditure.
David Littlejohn, Head of Planning & Development at Perth & Kinross Council, believes the gift card has already hugely benefited the independent business in Perth and the local economy.
He said: “I’m really pleased to hear of the instant impact that the Perth Gift Card has had. We believe the renowned quality of the 50+ businesses involved makes it an extremely compelling choice and it highlights a friendly, collaborative approach to business – an environment which will help attract further businesses to the city.”
Further information can be found at http://theperthcard.co.uk/.
