Shoppers urged to spend £100 vouchers with independents

Retail NI has launched its ‘Spend It Independent’ campaign, urging consumers to support smaller retailer, including cafes and restaurants,  when they spend their £100 high street voucher.

The group teamed up with Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to launch the campaign which encourages the public to make a special effort to use their £100 ‘Spend Local’ pre-paid cards with independent retailers. 

More than one million applications have been made to date, with the Spend Local Pre-Paid Card.offering consumers an opportunity to support the work of independent retailers and give hard-hit local traders a much-needed boost.

Retail NI says local independent traders are the cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s communities and after the toughest year in a generation for our local high streets, supporting local has never been more important.  

Revitalising communities

Whether consumers use the card in their local convenience store, butcher, baker, or barista bar, ‘spending it independent’ will help revitalise local communities, towns and city centres and maximise the Scheme’s impact on the Northern Ireland economy.

Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts, said: “The High Street Scheme is a very welcome step in the long road to recovery for Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector. Local traders are the backbone of local communities and contribute significantly to the Northern Irish economy. 

“The last 18 months have posed enormous challenges to local retailers, and by spending it independent, you are maximizing the impact that the High Street Scheme will have on the local economy.”

“When using the Spend Local card, it must be remembered that a little spend will have a big effect. For every £1 spent in an independent retailer, for example, 70p is recycled around the local economy. 

“By using your £100 to support local traders, you are ensuring that every penny goes towards boosting your local community, high street, or town centre.

“With the £100 Cards starting to be delivered to households across Northern Ireland, I would encourage everyone to Spend It Independent and give local independent retailers the support and boost they truly deserve.”

Spend Local

Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA, said: “As the Spend Local cards start to land in homes across Northern Ireland, my message to everyone who receives theirs is ‘spend local’. Please use your card to support your local shops, hospitality and other services which have been most affected by the Covid-19 restrictions.

“The objective of the £145million High Street Scheme is to boost local businesses following the drop in footfall brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

By giving everyone aged 18 and over in Northern Ireland a pre-paid card worth £100 to spend in local high businesses, we will encourage many more customers back through the doors of local retail, hospitality and services”

“By applying, receiving and ultimately spending your Spend Local card in local businesses such as shops, hospitality and other services before November 30, you will be doing your bit to support your local businesses.”