05/07/11….Rewarding shoppers’ loyalty can benefit market towns

A new report shows how small towns and independents can benefit from schemes that reward local shopping.

A national charity representing small towns has launched new research showing a range of Loyalty Card techniques and technology which towns can use to promote independent shops.

The Local Loyalty report reviews a range of loyalty schemes which have been adopted in a selection of market towns and small towns in the UK. It looks in detail at the cards available and wider loyalty scheme options, and will help those considering implementing a scheme in their town or across towns in their local authority area, to make an informed choice of approach and technology. It will also help towns who already have a shop local scheme or loyalty card consider how it may evolve and be sustainable long term.

Details of Thame’s new Loyalty Card scheme: LINK

The report is published by amt-i, a social enterprise and the consultancy division of the national charity Action for Market Towns which works with 400 member towns across the country to maintain local services and re-vitalise the high street.

Hannah Bowden, amt-i?s Business development manager and the author of the report, said:”Making a local loyalty scheme work isn?t easy but loyalty cards are a catalyst for change that are sweeping our towns and levelling the playing field between independent and national retailers. They are a positive way forward in uncertain times and offer our market towns a fighting chance.?

The report was published yesterday to coincide with Independents? Day ? a national day on which the public were encouraged to buy at least one item from their local, independent shop.

The Local Loyalty Report can be downloaded at LINK (it is FREE to download until 15 July 2011 after which date it will be free for AMT members and