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06/12/2021
Research Shows Increase Of Shoppers On NI High Streets
Shoppers on Northern Ireland's high streets have increased as the final countdown to the end of the highly successful High Street Scheme begins, according to new research.
The scheme will close in eight days' time on 14 December and the public is being urged by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons to spend whatever remains on their Spend Local cards as soon as possible.
Already, over £107 million has been spent by cardholders across Northern Ireland in the retail, hospitality and service sectors.
Minister Lyons welcomed new figures published by the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) which show a boost to the number of people going into shops or businesses in October being continued in November following the introduction of the High Street Scheme. NIRC has said "the High Street Scheme is truly proving its value".
The NIRC data shows that, in November, the number of shoppers in Northern Ireland reached their highest point so far compared to the pre-pandemic level. This has led to Northern Ireland showing the best recovery in the UK with -5.2% on 2019 figures.
The equivalent figures for England, Wales and Scotland were -15.7%, -16.7% and -19.8% respectively.
Minister Lyons said: "The aim of the High Street Scheme has been to stimulate local businesses, including retail, hospitality and service sector outlets, which had been hit hardest during the pandemic so I am delighted to see this research published by the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium.
"I would once again urge anyone who has yet to activate or use their Spend Local card, to do it now. We want to see every penny possible from every £100 card spent. Spend it now, spend it all and spend it local."
Aodhán Connolly, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Director, said: "The High Street Card scheme is truly proving its value with a phenomenal bounce back in footfall across Northern Ireland. This is hugely welcome news for retailers who have had the toughest two years on record."
The Minister also encouraged everyone to shop safely by wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing and using contactless payment where possible.
Cardholders can check their balance, view transaction history, terms and conditions or find answers to frequently asked questions relating to the cards by visiting the DfE Spend Local page.
When an applicant receives their card, they must activate it through a computer-operated phone system or text message and make the first payment using a pin, before they can start to use it for contactless payments.
The scheme will close in eight days' time on 14 December and the public is being urged by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons to spend whatever remains on their Spend Local cards as soon as possible.
Already, over £107 million has been spent by cardholders across Northern Ireland in the retail, hospitality and service sectors.
Minister Lyons welcomed new figures published by the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) which show a boost to the number of people going into shops or businesses in October being continued in November following the introduction of the High Street Scheme. NIRC has said "the High Street Scheme is truly proving its value".
The NIRC data shows that, in November, the number of shoppers in Northern Ireland reached their highest point so far compared to the pre-pandemic level. This has led to Northern Ireland showing the best recovery in the UK with -5.2% on 2019 figures.
The equivalent figures for England, Wales and Scotland were -15.7%, -16.7% and -19.8% respectively.
Minister Lyons said: "The aim of the High Street Scheme has been to stimulate local businesses, including retail, hospitality and service sector outlets, which had been hit hardest during the pandemic so I am delighted to see this research published by the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium.
"I would once again urge anyone who has yet to activate or use their Spend Local card, to do it now. We want to see every penny possible from every £100 card spent. Spend it now, spend it all and spend it local."
Aodhán Connolly, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Director, said: "The High Street Card scheme is truly proving its value with a phenomenal bounce back in footfall across Northern Ireland. This is hugely welcome news for retailers who have had the toughest two years on record."
The Minister also encouraged everyone to shop safely by wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing and using contactless payment where possible.
Cardholders can check their balance, view transaction history, terms and conditions or find answers to frequently asked questions relating to the cards by visiting the DfE Spend Local page.
When an applicant receives their card, they must activate it through a computer-operated phone system or text message and make the first payment using a pin, before they can start to use it for contactless payments.
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Spend Local cardholders are being urged to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local". Economy Minister Gordon Lyons made the call with one month to go before the High Street Scheme closes. Minister Lyons said: "To date over 1.3 million Spend Local cards have been dispatched, with over one million activated and in use.
09 December 2008
Southern Shoppers NI Trade Bonanza
NI shop tills are ringing out this Christmas as southern shoppers continue to flock north. As much as 50% of shop sales in Northern Ireland's border towns (such as Newry, pictured) and main cities across the province, are from people travelling from the Republic to spend, spend, spend.
Southern Shoppers NI Trade Bonanza
NI shop tills are ringing out this Christmas as southern shoppers continue to flock north. As much as 50% of shop sales in Northern Ireland's border towns (such as Newry, pictured) and main cities across the province, are from people travelling from the Republic to spend, spend, spend.
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Business leaders across Northern Ireland have welcomed the "continued positive impact" of the Spend Local card scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has said. The Minister said: "There is no doubt that the benefits of the High Street Scheme Spend Local cards are being felt across the retail, hospitality and service sectors.
Business Leaders Welcome Impact Of Spend Local Scheme
Business leaders across Northern Ireland have welcomed the "continued positive impact" of the Spend Local card scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has said. The Minister said: "There is no doubt that the benefits of the High Street Scheme Spend Local cards are being felt across the retail, hospitality and service sectors.
30 November 2021
Over £100m Injected Into NI Economy With Spend Local Cards
Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors have been boosted by more than £100m by the High Street Scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has revealed.
Over £100m Injected Into NI Economy With Spend Local Cards
Northern Ireland's retail, hospitality and service sectors have been boosted by more than £100m by the High Street Scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has revealed.
19 November 2021
Business Urged People To Make Sure They Use Their Spend Local Cards
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has highlighted that businesses across Northern Ireland are calling on High Street Scheme cardholders to continue to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local".
Business Urged People To Make Sure They Use Their Spend Local Cards
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has highlighted that businesses across Northern Ireland are calling on High Street Scheme cardholders to continue to "spend it now, spend it all and spend it local".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
