Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Cards Go Digital

Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Cards have gone digital with the launch of new E-cards this month.

The Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Card, launched back in 2019 by the Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), can be spent in more than 80 businesses across all sectors, from food and drink to leisure & retail.

But where previously the cards could only be ordered online and received in the post, this month saw the launch of new E-cards, which can be sent and received instantly and used straight away. Simply by adding them to an Apple or Google Wallet, the recipient can pay with the tap of their mobile phone.

The change also allows even more businesses to sign up to the gift card scheme, with many now able to accept the E-card when previously they couldn’t take the physical card without the requisite swipe card reader.

The launch of the instant E-card has seen a flurry of new businesses signing up to the scheme, including some opting in as E-card only businesses. So far ten businesses have signed up to join the scheme on an E-Card only basis – including BCP town centre car parks.

Susie O’Neill, Business Liaison Officer, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said:

“This is a fantastic way for people to show their love for our local area, locking money directly into our high street and at the same time giving a versatile gift which can be used in more than 80 locations across Bournemouth Town Centre.

“The E-card can be used in national and independent shops, food and drink establishments, and a range of leisure options. Always mindful of the impact of parking costs on customers and businesses, we’re also particularly pleased to have been able to make the E-card redeemable at all nine BCP council car parks in the Town Centre.”

The aim is to have even more shops and businesses sign up to the scheme in the run up to Christmas, making it bigger and better than ever before, adds Susie O’Neill:

“The response from our Town Centre businesses to this gift card scheme has always been hugely positive, with an array of businesses signing up over the past five years ranging from gyms to bars, clothing stores to global coffee brands.

“With the launch of the new E-card, in plenty of time for Christmas, we would love as many businesses as possible to support the Gift Card in the run up to Christmas

“And the list is growing all the time, with many keen to embrace the new technology and opting for a E-card only approach – so please check the website on where to spend yours!’

See www.bournemouthgiftcard.co.uk for more information. Businesses wishing to sign up to the scheme can contact info@towncentrebid.co.uk.