City economy set for boost with gift cards
THE gift card to be sent to tens of thousands of homes in Glasgow will give the city economy a boost worth much more than the cost of the cards, according to those behind the scheme.
The cards worth £105 each, sent to 85,000 low-income households, will be sent out over the summer.
But the organisers say by keeping the cash in the city, local businesses benefit and jobs are supported.
The money can only be spent in businesses in Glasgow, registered with the Scotland Loves Local scheme, which said it will keep the cash going round in the city for longer.
The aim is to help low-income families with the cost of living and to give a boost to local businesses who have suffered as a result of the Covid pandemic. Around 800 businesses have signed up so far and more are expected to join.
They include supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, local shops, home improvement stores, toy shops, travel firms and many more.
There are 346 shopping, 199 food and drink, 88 health and beauty and 52 leisure attractions listed with the scheme.
They include Aldi, Boots, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Scotmid supermarkets. Local grocers, butchers, and 36 One O One convenience stores are also included.
Almost 200 food and drink firms are on the list, including bars, restaurants and takeaways.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership organises the gift card scheme and it says it will help people and jobs in the city. Phil Prentice, STP chief officer, said: “Not only will this help people across Glasgow with the rising cost of living, but it will provide a significant injection into the city’s economy, generating trade for local businesses and supporting jobs.
“The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card allows people to spend with dignity. Recipients can use their Glasgow Gift Card to buy food, clothes or other household essentials to help their family. Anyone could have given someone one of these cards. There’s no stigma attached to them.
“The council should be commended for recognising the innovative power of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card by using it this way. It highlights the versatility of the card as a local currency. Money spent locally stays local for longer.”
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The cards will give extra spending power to lower-income households, right across the city, at a time when they are facing the worst pressures in decades.
“But they will also deliver a much-needed economic stimulus and a real boost to local businesses in our high streets, while they are still recovering from the Covid pandemic.”
The organisers met with Ivan McKee, minister for business, trade, tourism and enterprise, ahead of the cards being sent out.
He said: “This scheme is supported by £9m of Scottish Government funding to boost economic recovery from the pandemic.
“The national Scotland Loves Local programme encourages people to think, choose and spend locally, retaining income in businesses and communities.
“The Scottish Government is supporting our communities to deliver renewed local prosperity.”
For the full list of businesses, go to scotlandgiftslocal.com/product/glasgow-gift-card