VIDEO: Harrogate Gift Card launched to encourage consumers to shop local
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The cards, which can be pre-loaded with any value up to £500, can be used at participating town centre shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, businesses and attractions.
More than 75 have already signed up with more expected to join.
GET THE GIFT CARD: A directory of participating businesses can be found online - where the card can also be purchased - at www.harrogategiftcard.co.uk.
It is also available at Harrogate Tourist Information Centre, Harrogate Theatre and Harrogate Bus Station.
Venues already accepting the card, who display a sign in their window or at the till, include Harrogate Theatre, big name high street brands like Marks and Spencer and Primark, plus independents such as Imagined Things bookstore, Sophie Likes and Ogden’s.
The card can also be spent in popular cafes, such as Bean and Bud and Baltzersens, as well as restaurants and bars with Konak Meze, Las Iguanas, and Revolution de Cuba all accepting it.
Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID), behind the initiative, was launched to help the local economy by increasing the number of people visiting and spending in the town centre.
Bosses say the gift card - based on similar successful schemes in other towns - will gives shoppers the flexibility to enjoy a bespoke Harrogate experience, from hairdressers to theatre tickets, retail to restaurants.
Such schemes work to make local economies more resilient and sustainable.
The card has been launched in time to boost Christmas spending in the town centre.
John Fox, Chairman of the Harrogate BID, said: “The Harrogate Gift Card locks spend into the local economy as it can only be used in registered town centre businesses, not online or out of town. It means both the purchaser and recipient are supporting their local town.
“Ultimately, the Gift Card encourages consumers to shop and spend locally, and is perfect for a treat or experience.
"It’s more thoughtful than a cash gift as it demonstrates loyalty to local businesses and we hope, bolsters pride in our local offer. It’s a way to create a community that understands the value of their town centre at a time when High Streets across the UK are struggling.”