Plymouth launches new citywide gift card to boost local businesses

Excitement is building across Plymouth with the launch of the Love Plymouth Gift Card, a new citywide scheme that allows shoppers to spend with a wide range of local retailers, restaurants, attractions, and service providers.

Available in both physical and digital formats, the card can be used at more than 80 participating businesses, with more joining each week.

The initiative has been introduced by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) - representing over 900 businesses across the city’s waterfront - and the Plymouth City Centre Company, which supports more than 500 businesses, including 200 independents.

The Hook & Line, a seafood café and bar at the Royal William Yard, has signed up to the programme. Co-owner Steve Page said:

“The Hook & Line is an independent café and bar in Plymouth’s iconic Royal William Yard, the city’s coolest waterfront destination, specialising in fresh, local seafood and rum. As an advocate for the city, we’re 100% behind the Love Plymouth Gift Card. It’s an amazing initiative to keep money local in Plymouth.

“We all know how hard it is to buy a gift for someone nowadays. You don’t want to give cash so you end up buying a generic gift card for one or a few brands. It’s fine but there’s no magic to it. The Love Plymouth Gift Card gives people the chance to discover new businesses they might not have tried before, and gives us as business owners the chance to show what we can do. The digital aspect is brilliant because if you’ve got your gift card on your phone, you’re more likely to spend it, and it’s how people pay nowadays.”

At the historic Barbican, Kaya Gallery is also taking part. Owner Chris Warne said:

“Kaya Gallery is located in the historic Barbican, and we are proud to display many local artists. We’re part of the Love Plymouth Gift Card because it’s another way that we can practice what we preach and showcase local. People will be able to pick up the Love Plymouth Gift Card in-person from Kaya Gallery, so when customers are in the gallery debating what gift to buy, we can suggest the Love Plymouth Gift Card.

“There is a real excitement in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, for the launch of the card because it will highlight our unique selling points such as the jewel in Plymouth’s crown, the historic Barbican and waterfront – where Kaya Gallery is located – and many other unique businesses. With the Love Plymouth Gift Card in hand you can stroll along the waterfront, go for a meal, shop and experience it all. Importantly, it locks money into Plymouth from locals and visitors alike.”

In the city centre, restaurant and bar Olive and Twist has also joined the scheme. Owner Dan Walls said:

“This is such a good idea and will be a direct benefit to Plymouth businesses, attracting more visitors and keeping spend in the city. We would encourage people to pop in and see what we have to offer and pick up a gift card for relatives or friends this Christmas and beyond.”

According to Kim Downer, deputy CEO of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, the card will help support the local economy:

“After many years of planning, we’re thrilled to have our very own gift card for Plymouth. It’s a card that consumers can use for every occasion, from the end of the school year to Father’s Day, birthdays to Christmas. And it’s a card that local organisations can use to reward their staff or incentivise their customers. Every card purchased has to be spent here in Plymouth, powering our economy for the future.”

Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, added:

“It’s been a tough few years on the high street so we are delighted to join in with this programme to encourage more visitors to our city centre shops, cafes and restaurants and leisure businesses. It will be a big help.”

The Love Plymouth Gift Card is available to purchase online for consumers and organisations, and in person at the city’s Tourist Information Centre.