Independent businesses say the distribution of the £100 Scotland Loves Local East Renfrewshire Gift Card is helping customers to realise the value of shopping local.
Traders have hailed the scheme a success for bringing new customers through their doors while helping families to get the essentials they need.
From the end of November 2022, more than 4,500 East Renfrewshire Gift Cards were distributed to households in receipt of council tax reduction.
The deadline to activate the gift card was 1st March 2023. Once activated, the recipient has 12 months to spend the card at over 130 East Renfrewshire businesses, including in Newton Mearns, Barrhead, Thornliebank, Clarkston, Giffnock and Eaglesham.
East Renfrewshire Council’s distribution of the gift card is supported by the Scottish Government’s Local Authority Economic Recovery Fund, which aims to stimulate business activity following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The gift cards build on the success of the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to think, choose and spend locally.
Family-run Country Feeds Pet Supplies and Pet Parlour in Barrhead is among the businesses accepting the East Renfrewshire card.
Co-owner Kirsty Lafferty said: “Country Feeds Pet Supplies and Pet Parlour is a family run business that has been in Barrhead since 1987. It’s a third generation business that is currently run by myself and my mum. We offer pet supplies, feed, medicines, supplements and accessories for all types of animals, from pets to horses and everything in between.
“I think you get so much more when you shop locally, especially with a family run business. It’s not just about the sale but about the ongoing advice. East Renfrewshire Council using the gift card to distribute funds to low income families is a great idea, because it keeps money local and supports households that are struggling, giving them lots of choice of where to spend their gift card.
“The cost of living crisis is hitting everyone. Some people are cutting back on the branded products for a more economical brand, but equally, many people don’t want to change their pet’s food. A pet is part of the family and people have appreciated being able to use their card to stock up on their pet’s regular food, or even buy something bigger like a new bed for their dog.
“I think the choice on offer with the East Renfrewshire Gift Card is absolutely key, including high street stores and independents. Most people spending their East Renfrewshire Gift Card with us are regular customers but we’ve had new customers too. Even after 30 years in Barrhead, people will still come into the shop and say they didn’t know we were here. It’s surprising but just goes to show that people really do need an incentive to go into their local town, see what’s there, and actually go inside businesses they’ve never been in before.”
One business in Newton Mearns to see the benefit of the card is Charles Frazer Quality Meats.
Charles Frazer Quality Meats
Owner Stuart Adams said encouraging new customers is vital to the longevity of small businesses, adding: “The one positive is that more people are shopping local. People have been using their gift cards on the regular meat products that they need but they’ve also used the gift card to be a bit adventurous and try something that they’ve never tried before.
“We’re also getting repeat business through the gift card. Shopping local is like a club, you get to know the staff, you have a chat, you enjoy the products when you get home and you develop a loyalty to the shop. Being a part of the gift card is easy as pie and has been really positive for our business.”
East Renfrewshire Council Leader, Owen O’Donnell, said: “I am really pleased that we were able to support low-income households with this scheme. Not only has it benefited residents, but it also provided the local economy with a vital sales boost. We’re committed to supporting the East Renfrewshire community as we continue to recover from the pandemic and will offer any help we can with tackling the cost of living crisis.”
The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative was introduced by Scotland’s Towns Partnership in 2021.
Kimberley Guthrie, Director of Operations at Scotland’s Towns Partnership, commented: “It’s fantastic to see the significant contribution that the Scotland Loves Local East Renfrewshire Gift Card is making to the economy, as well as providing invaluable support for families at this challenging time.
“We hope that this encourages people to think, choose and spend locally for the long run – including continuing to use the gift card – to build a better future for all.”
The disbursement of the £100 East Renfrewshire Gift Card is being administered by Miconex.
Managing director of Miconex, Colin Munro, added: “One of the main benefits of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is that it encourages people to discover what’s on their doorstep, trying out new businesses and in most cases, becoming a regular customer. It’s heartening to see that is exactly what is happening in East Renfrewshire, ensuring our local businesses are here for many years to come.”
You can find out more about the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card here.
