A new Gift Card has launched in Oxted, Surrey with an aim of diverting online spend back into the local economy.
Backed by the Oxted Business Improvement District (BID), also known as Love Oxted, the Love Oxted Gift Card features well-known Oxted landmarks including The Barn Theatre, Oxted School, The Everyman Cinema and Tandridge Leisure Centre, all on a distinctive green background and with the hashtag #LoveOxted.
Local businesses were instrumental in selecting the design for the card, which is available as either a physical card or a digital card. Cards are available to buy online, via the LoveLocal app, or in person at La Maison on Station Road East. Cards can also be picked up from several locations in the town to load with value at home.
Organisations can also buy the card as rewards and incentives for their team using a dedicated corporate site.
Over 40 businesses in Oxted accept the card including shops, restaurants, salons and services. Businesses in Oxted are welcoming the launch of the card, which they say taps into the love people have for the town.
Sammy from La Maison Boutique said: “La Maison is a boutique lifestyle store with something for everyone. I’m 100% behind the launch of the Love Oxted Gift Card because it’s a great idea. Rather than having to decide on vouchers or a Gift Card for one store, people can buy the Love Oxted Gift Card and the recipient can choose. It will be ideal for younger people too, especially the digital version they can add to their digital wallet. 90 – 95% of transactions are card payments now, so Oxted having its own high tech Gift Card is a real positive.
“There’s a lot of love for Oxted and it’s entirely down to the support of the community that small businesses in Oxted have survived. The new Love Oxted Gift Card is another way that people can show their love for Oxted, get a gift that’s easy to spend and choiceful, and play their part in keeping Oxted thriving.”
Jo from Piper’s Florist commented: “We’ve been in Oxted for 12 years now [but a local business since 1932] and are fortunate to have many lovely customers. All of Oxted is really welcoming, it has a great buzz to it and the Love Oxted Gift Card is a brilliant idea because the recipient can choose their own gift and have a real experience of Oxted. The diversity of the offering on the card is strong – there is something for everyone – whether for locals or those visiting from further away.”
Sophie Martin, BID Manager of The Oxted BID (Love Oxted) said: “The launch of the Love Oxted Gift Card is a real milestone moment for our town, so we can celebrate and showcase our array of local businesses, from shops to restaurants, salons to services. With one card, you can get your hair or nails done, go for lunch, buy flowers, clothes, watch a movie or go for a workout. It’s an enticing offering, and as cards must be spent in Oxted, it’s locking spend into our economy.
“We’re one of the smallest towns to have its own local Gift Card, and while we may be small, we are mighty! By having our own card, we’re making it easy to give the gift of Oxted and show your support for our small businesses. With Christmas approaching, I encourage people and organisations to buy the card for gifts, rewards and incentives.”
The Love Oxted Gift Card is part of the award-winning Town & City Gift Card program from fintech Miconex. Over 20,000 businesses are part of the initiative with £45 million spent locally to date.
Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Oxted to the Town & City Gift Cards family. The Love Oxted Gift Card is the ultimate ‘shop local’ Gift Card offering unbeatable local choice. It’s easy to buy, easy to spend, and helps local businesses to thrive.”
Listen to Sophie on BBC Radio Surrey talking about the new Love Oxted Gift Card.