Sales of the ‘Love Strabane Gift Card’ have risen by almost 50% in the last year thanks to the dedication of people in the town choosing to spend their money with local businesses.
Sales of the gift card totalled £43,900 in 2024, that represents a 45% increase from 2023.
This level of support means that this £43,900 will now be spent in local businesses who accept the gift card.
The ‘Love Strabane Gift Card’ is an initiative of Strabane BID and the increase in sales in 2024 comes following a focused marketing campaign and Christmas video promotion featuring local businesses and well-known faces around the town.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr welcomed the rise in spend saying: “It’s wonderful to see the success of the ‘Love Strabane Gift Card’ is rising year-on-year. The increase in sales of 45% reflects the choice of people in Strabane to ensure their money is going into local hands and local homes, and that is a real testament to the community spirit which I know exists in the town. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who chose to support their local traders over the last 12 month by purchasing a ‘Love Strabane Gift Card’.”
Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID added, “We are really delighted to report such strong sales of the ‘Love Strabane Gift Card’ during 2024.
“We know many people recognise the benefits of purchasing the gift card as a present, especially at Christmas time, as it means the recipient has an incredible range of over 70 local businesses to choose where they can spend the gift card.
“The first few months of the year can be difficult for many businesses so it’s reassuring to know that there is £43,900 already pledged to the local economy and I would encourage anyone with a gift card to consider spending it over the next few months to help businesses at this difficult time of the year.
“Remember there is a huge variety of businesses where you can spend your gift card so why not use it for your lunches during January, a treat to get your hair or make-up done, buy that item you’ve had your eye on or do a weekly shop, all of these purchases and many more can be made with the ‘Love Strabane Gift Card’.
“We would love to see sales of the gift card rise again during 2025, so please think about purchasing one the next time you are buying a present for someone. Spending our money locally helps to create a thriving town which we can all benefit from.”
Strabane Gift Cards can be purchased in a variety of amounts and are available from O’Neill’s Sportswear, The Alley Theatre, or online at: www.lovestrabane.com
You can also view a list of all the participating businesses online.
