23 July 2021
Bira is backing a new campaign calling for a Shop Out to Help Out scheme in England.
In a bid to save England’s high street, Refundable is launching a petition to introduce the Shop Out to Help Out scheme, a campaign to entice shoppers back out to help independent retailers recover from the pandemic.
A not-for-profit initiative from Refundable, the Shop Out to Help Out scheme will reward customers with a 50% rebate (maximum £10 per transaction) when shopping in small independent retailers, with fewer than 10 members of staff.
The campaign, similar to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme launched last summer for the hospitality industry, would assist in giving independent high street retailers a boost during this difficult transition back to normality.
With more than 17,000 shops having closed permanently within the last year, Refundable say the scheme would act as a lifeline to businesses, providing them with a safety net as they emerge from restrictions.
Back in April, Bira called for the Government to introuduce a Shop Out to Help Out scheme after a similar initiative was launched in Northern Ireland. More here
To get the campaign off the ground, Refundable is encouraging both consumers and small businesses to sign a petition requesting a that Parliament discuss the launch of a Shop Out to Help Out scheme.
Lee Plaister, owner of Refundable, said: “Independent retailers have had a very challenging year and it’s crucial that the Government steps up to assist the recovery. We really hope that this petition assists in launching the Shop Out to Help Out scheme, which we at Refundable believe will result in a much needed, positive transformation of the UK’s high streets.”
Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO, added: "Last summer, the hospitality industry had the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, now the independent retail sector needs the same support in a Shop Out to Help Out initiative."
Although there have been mentions of similar High Street Voucher Schemes across the UK, including one recently launched in Jersey and one in the pipeline in Northern Ireland, no scheme has yet been confirmed in support of England’s high street. Refundable has card-linked loyalty technology and has already white-labelled it in preparation for the Government’s commitment to launch. This automated technology is a far more effective way of managing the scheme than other method including prepaid debit cards or vouchers. The petition is located via the link below. To show your support please click the link, complete a few basic details, then simply download the Shop Out to Help Out app where the petition can be signed and shared.
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