Shoppers in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to spend their high street vouchers with independents

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA launched Retail NI’s ‘Spend it Independent’ campaign, asking the public to make a special effort to use their £100 ‘Spend Local’ pre-paid cards with independent retailers.

Over one million applications have been made to date, with the card offering consumers the opportunity to support the work of independent retailers and give hard-hit local traders a much-needed boost.

Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts, said: “The High Street Scheme is a very welcome step in the long road to recovery for Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector.

“Local traders are the backbone of local communities and contribute significantly to the Northern Irish economy. The last 18 months have posed enormous challenges to local retailers, and by spending it independent, you are maximizing the impact that the High Street Scheme will have on the local economy.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “As the Spend Local cards start to land in homes across Northern Ireland, my message to everyone who receives theirs is ‘spend local’. Please use your card to support your local shops, hospitality and other services which have been most affected by the Covid-19 restrictions.

“The objective of the £145million High Street Scheme is to boost local businesses following the drop in footfall brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. By giving everyone aged 18 and over in Northern Ireland a pre-paid card worth £100 to spend in local high businesses, we will encourage many more customers back through the doors of local retail, hospitality and services.”

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