The Sunderland Gift Card scheme has officially surpassed £500,000 in total sales since it first launched in November 2020. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the initiative, which was created by Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council to encourage residents to spend their money within the local economy.
More than 200 businesses across the city centre and the seafront now accept the card. This includes a mix of independent shops and restaurants, such as Ember at Sheepfolds Stables, as well as major retailers found at The Bridges Shopping Centre. The scheme operates using technology from Miconex, allowing the cards to function like a standard bank card on the Mastercard network.
Residents can purchase the cards in values ranging from £5 to £500, with each card valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Physical cards are available at several locations, including the Museum and Winter Gardens, the National Glass Centre, and the libraries in Houghton and Washington. For those who prefer a digital option, e-cards compatible with Apple Wallet and Google Pay are available through the official website.
Business leaders behind the programme note that the card helps keep spending local, which in turn supports the community. With the inclusion of both the city centre and the newer Seafront business district, the initiative continues to provide a flexible way for shoppers to support a wide variety of local traders.
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