A new City of London gift card is being launched today to encourage spending at participating retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in the Square Mile.
The initiative is a collective project created and funded by two Business Improvement Districts; Aldgate Connect BID and Cheapside Alliance, and two partnerships; Fleet Street Quarter and the Eastern City Partnership with support from the City of London Corporation.
It will see the sale of pre-loaded Mastercards of between £5 and £500 which can be spent exclusively at Square Mile businesses that are registered as part of the scheme.
The gift card has been designed to initially provide an additional revenue stream to City businesses hardest hit by Covid-19 restrictions but will remain a permanent offering.
More than 40 businesses have already signed up to be a part of the scheme, with a mix of independents and big names.
Lord Mayor William Russell said: “This has been an exceptionally difficult year for many City businesses, particularly with office workers having been required to work from home.
“The City Gift Card is a fantastic, creative solution to help combat tough trading conditions and it is launching just in time for Christmas.
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“I would encourage Christmas shoppers to support Square Mile businesses during these difficult times and purchasing a City Gift Card for their loved ones is a great way to do this.”
The City of London Gift Card can be purchased online or at the City Information Centre.
The Gift Cards are also being promoted to City businesses for use by workers when they return to the office.
Primera’s MD Ruth Duston, OBE, OC said: “The City Gift Card helps promote the Square Mile beyond its business reputation, celebrating the City as a vibrant destination, bursting with rich culture and heritage and showcasing the wonderful mix of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise.
“It also demonstrates how organisations can work together to support their local ecosystem in the face of this pandemic.”
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