Demand continues with 2024 sales already registering a 69% increase.

Highlighting the program’s success, over 200 locations now offer gift cards backed by Miconex technology. Some 26 new towns, cities and downtown areas launched their own local gift card in 2023, capitalising on the global demand for gift cards and giving places a means to divert online spend back to independent and national bricks and mortar businesses across sectors.

The Aberdeen Gift Card was the best-selling local gift card programme in the UK, with the ShopLK Gift Card taking top place in Ireland, Selkirk Chamber’s programme the top programme in Canada and York Chamber’s programme taking top place in the USA.

Miconex 2023 data illustrates the impact of these programs – 90% of recipients globally spend above the card’s value, typically 65%. In the UK, 33% spend 100% to 125% more than the value of the gift card on redemption. Globally, 61% of people see their gift card as ‘free money’, spending more than the gift card value as a result. This demonstrates the power of these programs to stimulate additional, unplanned spending on local businesses.

The range of independent businesses which accept Miconex’s local gift cards – usually alongside a range of national brands – makes the cards unique in the sector. A typical 50%, and up to 100%, of its local gift cards are redeemed with independent shops, restaurants and venues.

Colin Munro, managing director of Miconex, said the appetite for local gift cards continues to grow around the world: “Receiving a local gift card is the first step in an exciting journey of discovery for recipients.

“Taking into account the typical 65% and up to 125% overspend, the impact of local gift cards in 2023 was significant and this is a trend that is continuing in 2024 with sales up 69% around the world.

“Globally in 2023, 96% of people said they are keen to support local. The mix of independents with national brands, across multiple sectors, makes our local gift cards appealing for both consumers and organisations as the ultimate shop local gift card.

“In 2024, we’ll be continuing to work alongside our places to drive even more spend into high streets and downtowns.”

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Aberdeen Inspired is delighted and proud of the success of the Aberdeen Gift Card and the many benefits it has brought to the Granite City.

“It is the perfect way to support our local ‘bricks and mortar’ businesses, be they small, independent retailers or high street names, while bringing much-needed footfall into the city centre.”