A new initiative to support people to ‘shop local; support your high street’ is set to launch in Preston Seton Gosford on 17th May 2021.
Funding of more than £10,500 has been received for the initiative, which got off the ground after receiving £5,500 from East Lothian Council’s Covid-19 economic recovery support fund for towns and villages, and £5,000 from Scotland Loves Local – a national initiative designed to encourage people to think local and support their high streets safely and in line with public health guidelines.
The Connected Communities Manager from the Area Partnership has been working with 10 businesses across Longniddry, Cockenzie and Port Seton and Prestonpans who showed interest, to develop a gift card loyalty scheme to reward people when they shop locally.
Working with the East Lothian Gift Card these businesses will have preloaded cards of £5 value which will be given to shoppers when they spend over £10 in store. These can then be used in a separate transaction at another store in the area. Shoppers will be asked to complete a short form when they receive their card to track engagement with the scheme.
Michelle Wilson, proprietor of Prestoungrange Gothenburg, one of the businesses involved in the scheme, said: "This is a fantastic way for local people to support local businesses in East Lothian and we are proud to be part of this fantastic initiative. We hope more businesses sign up and more people buy into this scheme."
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development, said: “East Lothian Council has always had a strong focus on the shop local message and I’m delighted that this scheme will get underway at a time when our much-loved shops and hospitality businesses are back open again. It’s a great way to help them to recover from the pandemic and to help East Lothian’s economy bounce back. It’s also a great way to promote our East Lothian Gift Card which is a perfect present for all ages and a superb support to a whole range of businesses across East Lothian.”
The scheme will launch on 17th May and continue whilst gift cards are available on a first come, first served basis. Participating businesses along with Prestongrange Goth include; Filling Station, Joli’s, Nicholsons News, Links Road Garage, McKirdy Butchers, Oceanside East Cafe, Cockenzie House & Gardens, Sweet Boutique, Day Today – Ashiqs.