A GIFT card scheme for Belfast City Centre businesses has generated £188,000 in sales since 2020, three business groups have said.
The scheme, which has signed up 166 businesses in the city centre, was funded by the Belfast One, Destination CQ and Linen Quarter business improvement districts (BIDs).
It utilises a Mastercard-based gift card, that works much in the same way as department store and shopping centre gift cards, but encourages support for participating businesses.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said the scheme demonstrated the importance of collaboration and partnership in recent times.
“I’m delighted to see that the shops, restaurants, and businesses who signed up to accept the gift card have been so well supported by shoppers,” she said.
“This is such a simple, yet versatile solution for people who want to give the gift of choice and make sure their money is benefitting our city’s economy.”
Clare Maguire of the Belfast One BID said the card had been listed as one of the most successful ‘Town & City Gift Card’ programs of 2021.
“The success of sales will help to deliver a much-needed boost to the local economy, drive footfall back into our City Centre as well as encourage other businesses to get involved.”
Damien Corr of Destination CQ, echoed those sentiments: “The BIDs have worked together to promote the card to businesses and customers since the partnership began in 2020.
“It is a great way to retain spend within the BID areas. Businesses who aren’t involved should sign up so they don’t miss out on the benefits of the scheme.”
Chris McCracken of Linen Quarter BID added: “The Belfast City Centre Gift Card provides consumers with outstanding choice across 166 retail and hospitality outlets, and we are delighted to see sales grow year on year.
“As the region's premier visitor destination, we encourage businesses to participate in the scheme to support with the Gift Card experience as the gateway to a great day out.”
The card scheme remains open. See belfastgiftcard.co.uk for details.
