Scarborough Gift Card Launches

Scarborough launches it's own town centre gift card to encourage people to shop local this Christmas

The card can be bought online and used at many of the town's independent and national high street stores, bars, eateries, attractions and leisure venues through the festive season and beyond in a bid to create ongoing economic vibrancy.

National stores taking part include Boots the Chemist, Marks and Spencer, Topshop, Clintons, O2, Roman Originals, Trespass, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams.

The Scarborough Gift Card can also be redeemed at independent venues such as Toyland Toyshop, Gekoglass, Nomination, Cosmetique, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Moments Fashion Boutique, Love Brew Café, Escape Room, and Lilly’s Treasures to name but a few.

Lilly’s Treasures moved into bigger premises on St. Nicholas Street prior to lockdown. Karon Wallis, owner of Lilly’s Treasures said:

“The Scarborough Gift Card is absolutely the way forward. This year has shown just how important our communities are and our local shops. People know they can come into Lilly’s Treasures and get something unique. But more than that, it’s the personal connection. I know all of my customers by name, I try to show customers that I care, taking the time to talk which is good for our mental health and wellbeing. You don’t get that when you shop online.

“When people buy with me, that money goes back into the community. I have my crafters, I buy from the local butcher and use independent shops where I can. There are so many people that support a small business. We are all in this together. When you buy the Scarborough Gift Card as a gift this Christmas and thereafter, you are showing your support for your businesses and your town.

“When lockdown happened, I’d just moved to the new shop but I took the time to build my community who have been so supportive. During this lockdown, I am spending time working on my windows for the shop, which I hope will spread some joy. People say you have to go online to get unique items. We’re proving that it is on the high street, in Scarborough.”

The Scarborough Gift Card works like other shop gift cards where customers choose the amount, anything from £5 to £500, to load onto it before giving it as a present.

The cards can be bought online and posted out, with the option of adding a personal message. They can also be purchased in person at the self-service station at the Brunswick Shopping Centre from Tuesday 24 November.

Alan Gregg, Store Manager of Debenhams in the Brunswick Shopping Centre commented:

“Debenhams is delighted to be involved in this much welcomed town centre wide initiative. Everyone involved in supporting retailers in this way and keeping spend local are to be applauded.”

Each card is valid for 12 months and customers can feel secure in the knowledge that it is backed by Mastercard. Recipients can use the Scarborough Gift Card flexibly, spending the balance in one go or at different businesses over time.

The Scarborough Gift Card is led by town centre retailers and supported by the Scarborough and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Town Centre Team, Yorkshire Coast BID, York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, Scarborough Borough Council and the Brunswick Centre.

Janet Deacon, Tourism and Corporate Marketing Manager for Scarborough Borough Council said:

“The Scarborough Gift Card is an exciting initiative, designed to give shoppers the freedom to choose from the vast array of the town's independent and high street stores, retail, leisure and hospitality venues whilst protecting local spending.

“I am sure it will be a popular present choice for this Christmas especially during this second lockdown. Going forward the card can be purchased to mark any special occasions and even corporate gifts – what better way for employers to show their support for their town.

“The Scarborough Gift Card will harness this sense of pride and support of all things Scarborough to assist the recovery of the town from the current crisis and to a prosperous future. The Scarborough Gift Card will take the pain out of shopping for the difficult to buy for, give its recipients the freedom of choice and support the local economy – it’s an all-round winner.” 

The Scarborough Gift Card is powered by technology firm Miconex as part of the award winning Town and City Gift Card which is active across Yorkshire.

Colin Munro managing director of Miconex said the Scarborough Gift Card is a secure way to gift this festive season:

“We’ve seen high profile experts warn against buying single retailer gift cards this year but the Scarborough Gift Card is a multi-venue gift card, working in the same way as cash but giving much needed support for businesses in the town.”