Annual InStrabane gift card sales exceed £50,000

More than £50,000 worth of InStrabane gift cards were sold in 2020, exceeding expectations and returning significant funds back into the Strabane economy.

The gift cards, which are part of Strabane BID, can be purchased in amounts ranging from £5 to £200. They can be spent in any of the 70 accepting businesses within Strabane, covering a wide range of business sectors from food and drink to health and beauty, and plenty more.

A total of £50,400 worth of cards were sold throughout 2020, and Strabane Town Centre Development Manager Emma McGill said it was fantastic to see so many people supporting the local economy at a crucial time for businesses in Strabane.

"Strabane BID are absolutely delig​hted with the final figure of the gift cards sold in 2020, it's a tally that has certainly exceeded expectation and comes during a year that has presented so many unprecedented challenges for our local businesses within the town," explained Emma.

"We can't thank the public and corporate businesses enough who really stepped up and delivered for those local businesses. They embraced our 'shop local' message and certainly adopted Strabane BID's motto to 'put your money where your heart is'.

"Every penny spent on the gift cards is going to help businesses within Strabane and with so many currently closed due to the NI Executive restrictions in place, it will be a massive boost to them to see people coming through the door and spending their gift cards when the time is right.

Emma continued: "This spend has the potential to make a really significant impact on the income of all of the businesses involved in the gift card scheme, so I would like to once again thank everyone who supported it in 2020, who purchased a gift card and who is helping to keep Strabane town thriving."

Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID, added: "Strabane BID are overwhelmed with the support that we received from the public in 2020 through the InStrabane gift cards.

"During one of the most unpredictable and stressful periods that many local businesses have probably ever faced, to know that there is £50,400 that has been and continues to be filtered back into our local economy is a massive lift.

"I know that it means a lot to our local businesses to have that support, and we sincerely hope that it's a platform we can build off as we begin 2021 with renewed optimism and hope."

To purchase an InStrabane gift card, visit www.instrabane.org or visit O'Neills Sportswear in Strabane. Cards can be sent to the purchaser or, alternatively, straight to the recipient.