£188K Boost for Belfast Businesses

The Belfast City Centre Gift Card, an initiative funded by the Belfast Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Belfast One, Destination CQ and Linen Quarter has announced that, since they partnered on the scheme in 2020, it has generated £188k worth of sales directly benefiting the City Centre businesses involved.

Ranked as having one of the highest gift card sales in the UK in 2021* alongside a high profile #GiftTheCity campaign, the scheme currently has over 166 businesses taking part from across all the BID locations. However, the BIDs hope to encourage more businesses to sign up, get involved in expanding the gift card experience for customers as well as benefit from the potential economic boost to their business.

Versatility, the perfect gift solution for all occasions, and with a wide variety of places to spend (retail, health & beauty, bars, restaurants, and hotels) has made the Belfast City Centre Gift Card an increasingly attractive proposition for consumers who are keen to support the local economy as well as gifting a unique City Centre experience.

The Belfast City Centre Gift Card is free and easy for businesses to get involved. It’s simply a Mastercard-based gift card that works in the same way as department store / shopping centre gift cards.  Customers purchase a card online www.belfastgiftcard.co.uk, choose the amount, load it onto the card and make it a gift. Cards are valid for a year but can only be used at a participating business location.

Welcoming the economic boost to the city, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said:

“Congratulations to the Belfast BIDS on the success of their Belfast City Centre Gift Card which has given City Centre businesses an incredible £188K boost. It just goes to show that collaboration and partnership are even more important during these challenging times. I’m delighted to see that the shops, restaurants, and businesses who signed up to accept the gift card have been so well supported by shoppers.  This is such a simple, yet versatile solution for people who want to give the gift of choice and make sure their money is benefitting our city’s economy.”

Clare Maguire, Managing Director Belfast One BID, commented:
“We are delighted that the Belfast City Centre Gift Card has created a £188k boost to local businesses as well as being listed as one of the most successful Town & City Gift Card programs for 2021. The success of sales will help to deliver a much-needed boost to the local economy, drive footfall back into our City Centre as well as encourage other businesses to get involved.”

Damien Corr, Managing Director Destination CQ, added:
“This is a great achievement for Belfast City Centre Gift Card.  The BIDs have worked together to promote the card to businesses and customers since the partnership began in 2020. It is a great way to retain spend within the BID areas. Businesses who aren’t involved should sign up so they don’t miss out on the benefits of the scheme.”

Chris McCracken, Managing Director Linen Quarter BID, said:
“The Belfast City Centre Gift Card provides consumers with outstanding choice across 166 retail and hospitality outlets, and we are delighted to see sales grow year on year. As the region’s premier visitor destination, we encourage businesses to participate in the scheme to support with the Gift Card experience as the gateway to a great day out.”

For further details or to be part of the scheme, visit www.belfastgiftcard.co.uk. Follow the Belfast City Centre Gift Card on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and join the conversation using #GiftTheCity.