Shop - Eat - Drink - Repeat: Harrogate BID calling on public to use special gift card to boost local economy

Here’s how to stay safe on your first visit back to the pubWith cafes, bars and restaurants set to rejoin shops out of lockdown for the first time in nearly four months, BID says the gift card is a great way for customers to support Harrogate town centre while enjoying a great day out.

For Harrogate BID’s interim manager Simon Kent, the card scheme is a vital tool in the battle for the survival of the town’s retail sector.

Mr Kent said: “For Harrogate town centre to have any chance of survival, it needs our support now more than ever. A fortnight ago the shops started to reopen, and with the hospitality sector joining them from this Saturday, now is the time for us to re-introduce the Harrogate Gift Card to residents and businesses alike.

Here are the areas in England at risk of local lockdowns as restrictions extended in Leicester

Since it was first launched last November, more than 340 Harrogate Gift Cards have already been sold, with a combined value of over £20,000 being pre-loaded on to them

For every £1 loaded onto one of the cards - which can be used in more than 100 shops, bars and restaurants - that money is kept within the local economy, boosting trade and securing jobs.

As well as the plea to shop local, Harrogate BID’s new campaign to promote the Harrogate Gift Card comes with a simple message for this Saturday’s big reopening - “Shop Drink Eat Repeat.”

Mr Kent added: “Businesses that currently participate in the scheme include clothes shops, hotels, cafes, jewellers, bars and hair salons.

Here’s when nightclubs and casinos could reopen in England - and the rules you may need to follow

“We hope that more businesses will recognise the value of the scheme, which comes at no extra cost to them.

“The card is also ideal for birthday, anniversary and Christmas presents, as well as staff rewards.”

The card was first introduced in the run up to last Christmas and has already proven popular. As the town’s business world eases out of lockdown, Harrogate BID has introduced a series of initiatives to support traders including commissioning a deep clean of the town centre, producong a series of posters and floor stickers to assist staff and customers with social distancing measures and providing a comprehensive “Covid-19 Secure Guidelines for Hospitality Businesses.”