Impressive uptake as Perthshire town’s shops snap up cards to boost business

A total of 51 outlets have signed up to accept the new Crieff Card, just days after the initiative was unveiled by Crieff Succeeds BID.

BID manager Neil Combe said he was delighted by the response from the business community and expected many more to sign up in the run-up to the official launch at the end of this month.

“We’re expecting the cards to become a popular birthday present or a simple way to say thank you for a good turn. We also think they will help take the pain out of Christmas shopping, with all the signed-up businesses benefiting.”

The Mastercard-based gift card works in the same way as store gift cards but can be used across the whole town.

It is designed to boost businesses and ensure money stays within the town’s economy.

From the end of the month it will be available to buy from either the Red Squirrel Cafe, Fun Junction or online at a dedicated website.

With similar schemes elsewhere in the UK, there is strong evidence of additional spend, with cardholders shelling out more than the card’s value.

Stickers will be displayed in the windows of the businesses that accept the card.

The BID will also promote the card as a great gift for people who live elsewhere but have relatives or friends in Crieff.

They will be able to go online and order the card for delivery.