£50,000 committed to businesses through Scarborough Gift Card scheme

Around 70 businesses in the Scarborough area have signed up to take part in the scheme, with a range of national and local independent retailers accepting the gift card, as well as cultural venues, restaurants and hospitality businesses.

The main aim of the gift card is to support the town’s businesses and encourage people to spend locally, in person, which will be of particular importance once non-essential retail and hospitality, currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, are permitted to reopen.

Sue Anderson-Brown, centre manager of Brunswick Shopping Centre, one of the partner organisations supporting the scheme said: “Shopping local has become more important than ever as people have been forced to change their habits as a result of the crisis.

“Every gift card bought is investment back into Scarborough town centre and the 70 local businesses that are signed up benefit from the cash once people decide to spend them.

“The Scarborough Gift Card provides the perfect vehicle for people to continue to support the town’s businesses as they face the financial storm caused by the coronavirus crisis.”

The gift card must be spent by visiting participating businesses, it cannot be used for online payment.

Philip and Rachel Akrill of The Green Room of Bar Street, said: “The Scarborough gift card is a wonderful idea. It encourages people that might not have used the restaurants and shops taking part, to venture to new pastures. I know we have had new customers come in and use it.

“It makes a fantastic gift for those who might not know what to get for someone. It's also fabulous as you can post it to someone or pop it in a card through the letter box and with everything going on at the moment that makes a perfect gift."️

Mo Driffield, Store Manager of Marks and Spencer, Scarborough, said: “We are incredibly pleased to see that residents are supporting the Scarborough Gift Card and locking in spend for local businesses in the area. Thank you to everyone that has redeemed in store with us; your support for us and all businesses in the town is vital.”

Silvia and Massimo of Florios Pizzeria said: “Absolutely brilliant idea! It is working very well for us even if we are only working as a take away at the moment. The customers are enjoying it too and we are very happy to have taken part in this great initiative.”

Abbie Toshach, store manager of jewellery store, Nomination, in Brunswick Shopping Centre, said: “We’re so pleased to join the Scarborough Gift Card scheme. It is a great way to draw people back to Scarborough town centre and to ensure that local independent shops benefit. Helping customers find the perfect item in our store is our passion, so we love that it encourages shopping in person rather than online.”

The Scarborough Gift Card is still available to buy online, in varying values from £5 to £500, at https://townandcitygiftcards.com/product/scarborough-gift-card/