Loyalty pays off for independent shops (From The Oxford Times)

Loyalty pays off for independent shops

6:00pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in News

TRADERS say shopping loyalty card schemes are helping independent stores thrive in town high streets.

A scheme in Wantage and Grove saw its 1,000th card holder sign up last month.

There are more than 60 traders in the scheme which launched last year and offers loyal customers discounts and rewards for shopping locally.

Sarah Ellis, owner of The Funky Tea Pot studio in Grove Street, said: “It is creating more business in the town and bringing the community together to benefit the community.

“If shoppers can get discounts they are more likely to remember you and come back again.”

The scheme is run by Vale of White Horse District Council , Wantage Chamber of Commerce, and Wantage Town Council.

Vincent Montgomery, of Vincent Montgomery’s Traditional Butchers, said he stopped the scheme for a month and found fewer people came to the store.

He said: “It can only be a good thing. But it is part of a jigsaw puzzle. Something is working as we are increasing numbers through the door.”