Businesses braced for new year spending boom

More than 5,000 people have now activated their £120 Scotland Loves Local Argyll and Bute Cards, recently issued by the council to nearly 7,000 residents facing cost of living challenges.

 

This has led to local spending worth £350,000, creating a boost for businesses in the area.

 

So far, 275 Argyll and Bute businesses are registered to accept the cards as payment.

 

Among them is The Kintyre Larder in Campbeltown, a speciality produce shop.

 

Business owner Linda McLean said: 'We sell a varied selection of things at The Kintyre Larder, from local Scottish produce to daily bakery products, fresh rolls and pies, plus staples like meat, eggs and cheese. The gift card is a welcome thing and it’s making a difference in people’s lives.

 

'Towards Christmas, people were coming in with their gift card to get hot soup, frozen meat for the freezer and cupboard items.

 

'Others were doing their Christmas shopping, buying little treats for the children for Christmas Eve or getting food for Christmas day lunch.

 

'Costs are going up, times are hard but giving a family the ability to have the food and little treats that others might take for granted is huge.'

 

"attachment_862567" "aligncenter" "300"] The Kintyre Larder sells a variety of goods, from luxury items to staples.

 

Linda has been welcoming customers old and new following the distribution of the cards.

 

'Regulars are using their Argyll and Bute Card with us, but we’re also seeing new faces too,' she said. 'And that’s one of the benefits of the distribution of the gift cards; it encourages people into shops and local businesses that they’ve never been in before.'

 

The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative was introduced in 2021 as a means to direct spend to local communities, and power economic recovery, delivered by Scotland’s Town Partnership and Perth-based fintech Miconex. The cards work as a payment method through the Mastercard system.

 

'We use the Square payment system at The Kintyre Larder and we swipe the Argyll and Bute Card through the reader,' explains Linda.

 

'Customers sometimes ask how they can find out how much balance they have left on the card, and we point out the QR code on the back of it, and the phone number.

 

'It has been a very stressful time for everyone, all through the pandemic and even now, but we’re fortunate to have loyal customers who continue to shop with us, and we continue to support our community too.

 

'The distribution of the Argyll and Bute Card has been a welcome boost from the council and we’ve definitely seen an increase in sales as a result of the card. It’s a win-win.'

 

Households in receipt of council tax reduction, who received a card, have until February 28 to activate them. Once activated, cards will be valid for 12 months.

 

Councillor Alastair Redman, policy lead for economic growth and communities, said: 'As the cost of living crisis continues, we are hearing first-hand how the Argyll and Bute Card is helping households.

 

'It is also providing an economic boost to many of our local businesses, who provide vital employment to our communities.

 

'I would encourage anyone who has not activated their card, to do so before the deadline.'

 

To activate your card: Visit the Scotland Loves Local website (argyllandbute22.scotlandgiftslocal.com); add your 16-digit gift card number (on the back of your card); add the activation code included in your first letter from the council.

 

For more on the council tax reduction scheme, visit argyll-bute.gov.uk/welfare-reform/council-tax-reduction-scheme