Chester BIDs Gift Card has generated a huge amount of interest in the city since its launch
Chester BID is celebrating a milestone in sales of its popular Chester Gift Card.
Record figures have been reached this month as The Chester Gift Card hit £100,000 in sales.
More than 125 businesses, from independents and large retailers to restaurants and experiences have benefitted, with many reporting an overspend since it was launched in November 2020.
One of the businesses that has taken part in the scheme is Lakeland, on Northgate Street.
Cathy Dallimore, General Manager said: “The Chester Gift Card has been great for us. Customers have told us that they like the variety of places they can spend their gifted amount. We’ve found in this store that there is an overspend of around £10-£20 – which is good all around.”
Jim Dorrington, Operations Director at Mediterranean restaurant and bar Artezzan on Pepper Street said that many of his guests use the card as part of their shopping day.
Jim said: “Chester is a great place to spend a day. The Chester Gift Card allows shoppers to pick up some great pieces from boutique shops – offering a plethora of goods and products – and then enjoy a leisurely lunch and a cocktail here with us. It really gives them the true Chester experience.”
The Gift Card Voucher Association says there is an average of between 35-65% overspend for gift cards, something CEO of Chester BID Carl Critchlow was keen to leverage with the introduction of the card.
He added: “We are delighted that sales of the card have now reached such an epic figure. With the additional spending too, the figure going back into the local economy has well surpassed £150,000 which is fantastic for the businesses we look after and the wider city too.
“Chester has always had a great choice of shops, bars, restaurants and things to do and see. The Chester Gift Card gives visitors that added extra option to enjoy it all at once!”
You can find more information about the gift card online, from how to buy and how eco-friendly the card is https://experiencechester.co.uk/chester-gift-card/. The gift cards are also available to purchase in the Visitor Information Centre.
Chester Gift Card on Eastgate Clock
If you are a business that would like to take part in The Chester Gift Card scheme, please contact luka@chesterbid.co.uk.
