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Pontypridd has launched its local gift card in time for Christmas – the card can be spent with a variety of shops, restaurants, venues and attractions.
Boosting footfall and encouraging people to discover local businesses are two of the aims of a new gift card program for Pontypridd.
Led by Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District, the Pontypridd Gift Card is now available to buy from £5 online, as either a physical gift card, or a digital card (cards will be sent from the 12th December 2022). The gift card can be spent with over 35 local businesses in the South Wales town, including national and independent businesses!
Martha’s Homestore is one of the independent businesses where the gift card can be spent. Owner Jayne Coleman said:
“My shop is stocked with products from UK based companies and local artists. From ceramics and cards made locally to candles, plant pots and vintage furniture, it’s a celebration of sustainable living.
“People want to give gifts that are wanted and needed, rather than ones that will end up in landfill. And that’s why I think the Pontypridd Gift Card is such a good idea, as it can be spent with lots of businesses in our town. I love the eco side too, instead of plastic, the Pontypridd Gift Card is made from strong paper. Or you can gift the digital version that goes into a digital wallet, lots of people like to pay using their phone now.
“The gift card is something we have to do for the future of our town. Historically, Pontypridd was a market town filled with independents and we’re returning to our roots with a modern gift card that will drive footfall and encourage people to discover what’s on their doorstep. Every customer is precious. Nothing beats shopping small, supporting local makers, and playing our part to make sure our businesses are still here next Christmas.”
Another business where customers can spend the Pontypridd Gift Card is Millies Smelly Melts, a local handmade business offering bath bombs, wax melts, cosmetics and home fragrances. Owner Alice Smith said:
“The gift card is a really nice idea to bring Pontypridd together. Pontypridd has changed a lot. It will bring more people to the town and I think they’d be surprised by what we have here, there are lots of hidden treasures.
“It has been really tough for businesses. The cost of supplies has doubled but it’s hard to put your prices up knowing that customers are having a tough time too. I’ve seen a lot of new faces recently, people wanting to support local businesses. Every sale is still a pinch me moment.
“Like for most small business owners, I took a risk opening Millies Smelly Melts. My sister and I make everything ourselves at the office opposite our shop in Pontypridd. Every Pontypridd Gift Card purchased is an investment in a local business that is contributing to the strength and vibrancy of our town. It makes a massive difference when people choose local and we appreciate it so much.”
The Pontypridd Gift Card can also be spent with a range of high street favourites, such as Warren James, the UK’s largest independently owned jewellers. Store manager Becky Christopher said:
“Warren James has been in Pontypridd since 2003, and we’re proud to still be here almost 20 years later with many regular customers from across the Valleys. We’ve joined the Pontypridd Gift Card because we need to keep our high street thriving. Pontypridd is in a good place and the gift card will bring customers back to the town, and bring others here for the first time.
“I think the digital card will be especially appealing. Sometimes you get given a gift card and when you get to the till at a store you realise it’s at home. That won’t happen with the digital version of the Pontypridd Gift Card as it will be there in your phone.
“Jewellery is a very personal gift and we’re regularly asked by customers if we sell gift cards. Warren James doesn’t have its own gift card and we don’t accept high street vouchers so being a part of the Pontypridd Gift Card is a no-brainer for us and will be welcomed by our customers.
“Some gift cards are just for national businesses, and it’s good that the Pontypridd Gift Card is for both high street favourites and independents. It’s better for the customer, as they have more choice, and that’s better for the town because more people will buy and spend the card here in Pontypridd. With Christmas coming up, lots of people will be stuck wondering what to get someone. The Pontypridd Gift Card is ideal.”
James Payne, projects officer at Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District, said:
“We’ve all had single-store gift cards in the past where you wonder what to spend it on. The great thing about the Pontypridd Gift Card is the choice that is on offer. It can be spent on the weekly shop or new furniture, a meal out to pampering treats. The gift card is a massive boost for Pontypridd, and I encourage everyone, locals, visitors and organisations to choose the Pontypridd Gift Card this Christmas and throughout the year.”
The Pontypridd Gift Card is part of the award-winning Town & City Gift Card initiative active across Wales, including in Swansea, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport.
Colin Munro, managing director of Miconex, said that the desire to support local is as strong as ever: “Our research shows that 90% of people want to support local this Christmas, 67% would prefer a multi-store gift card to single retailer alternatives, and 27% converted to digital gift cards in 2021. The Pontypridd Gift Card wraps up these customer requirements into a future proofed gift card that can be utilised by the town for many years to come.”
www.yourpontypriddgiftcard.co.uk
For press queries please contact: James Payne (Projects Officer), Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District: james@yourpontypridd.co.uk
Your Pontypridd Ltd is a non-profit organisation that is responsible for investing in improvements for Pontypridd town.
The BID is currently in the second year of its second five-year term following a successful ballot result in February 2021. It is a Business Improvement District (BID), a business led and funded initiative which generates approximately £80,000 in funding per annum, which is spent on improving the town centre the way that businesses choose.
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