The Aberdeen Gift Card has brought almost £80,000 into the local economy in just two weeks, with nearly 2000 cards sold since it launched.
Spearheaded by Aberdeen Inspired and supported by Aberdeen City Council, the gift card can now be used at over 150 businesses across Aberdeen, with more added regularly.
The Aberdeen Gift Card can be redeemed at a wide range of businesses including independent and national traders including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Primark, Finnies, Jamieson & Carry, The Esslemont, Saks Hair and Beauty, Aberdeen Art Gallery and many more.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It has been just over two weeks since we launched the Aberdeen Gift Card and we are delighted to see the positive impact it is making already. Each giftcard purchase is investment that is brought straight back into the city, supporting local jobs and our economy at a time when it is most needed.
“It has been great to see employers choosing to reward their staff and back the city at the same time, by purchasing it for their employees, and we have also had orders from as far afield as New Zealand as a Christmas gift for family members in Aberdeen.
“To have reached nearly £80,000 in value in a short period of time is hugely positive, and it is one of the fastest selling town and city gift cards of its kind in the UK. We are optimistic that sales will continue to increase as we get closer to Christmas, with each sale making a big difference locally.
“Of course, this scheme will run 365 days a year, so is a great way to consistently back Aberdeen, and support a wide range of sectors and businesses. We all understand the need to back our city during these challenging times and here is a perfect way of doing so.”
Each Aberdeen Gift Card is a prepaid Mastercard which is valid for 12 months from purchase, offering people a secure way to gift. Cards can be purchased online and delivered straight to the recipient or bought at the Bon Accord information desk.
The Aberdeen Gift Card is part of the Town and City Gift Cards programme from Scottish fintech Miconex. In November 2020, more than 50 towns, cities and regions in the UK have Town and City Gift Card programmes with new schemes springing up around the UK and Ireland in response to the shop local movement.
To find the full list of where you can use the Aberdeen Gift Card, visit https://www.aberdeeninspired.com/project/aberdeen-gift-card/where-to-use-the-aberdeen-gift-card