The new Think Waterford First Gift Card replaces the previous paper system operated by Waterford Chamber
The transition of the €1million paper-based Waterford Gift Voucher to the new Think Waterford First Gift Card is complete with the modern gift card now available to buy.
Driven by Waterford Chamber of Commerce, with the support of Waterford City & County Council, the new gift card can be spent with Waterford businesses, keeping money locked into the county.
Cllr Joe Conway Mayor of Waterford City & County officially launching the new Think Waterford First Gift Card, with Denis Carroll and Jessica Manning from City Square Shopping Centre and Gerald Hurley CEO Waterford Chamber. Photo: Noel Browne
Launching the new gift card, Cllr Joe Conway, Mayor of Waterford City & County, said:
“As we approach the Christmas season, I would urge people to shop local and support local as much as they can. Spending locally has long-term, far-reaching effects. Every €10 spent locally generates more than €40 of benefit to the local community, and it is the local retailers, hospitality, and service providers that lie at the heart of our community.
“The Think Waterford First Gift Card can be used in a host of local businesses, is secure, convenient, and the benefits of spending locally will be felt long after the Christmas season.”
Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber said: “The Think Waterford First Gift Card has many benefits and advantages over the old gift voucher. The new gift card is a prepaid Mastercard that will enable customers to spend their card balance across multiple stores. Businesses will no longer have the administration of managing paper vouchers and will receive payments to their bank accounts as per standard card payment transactions. It is both business and consumer friendly.”
City Square Shopping Centre as an entity has come on board with the shop local initiative as it has now moved to a digital platform, while the card is also accepted in hospitality and retail outlets throughout the city.
Denis Carroll, General Manager of City Square Shopping Centre added: “Outlets within City Square Shopping Centre will now accept the Think Waterford First Gift Card, which is not only a huge boost to our shops but also to shoppers. We are excited to be part of this initiative, in encouraging people to shop locally and reverse some of the €600 million retail leakage from Waterford.”
The Waterford Gift Card is part of the award-winning Town & City Gift Card programme from Miconex active across Ireland.
Davin Doherty is the Client Success Manager for Miconex in Ireland and said: “Waterford’s move to a high-tech, modern gift card will make it even easier for people to support local, particularly in this forthcoming Christmas trading period. In a Miconex 2023 survey, 89% said they plan to buy at least one gift card this Christmas. By choosing the Waterford Gift Card, they’re ensuring that money stays locked into Waterford, benefiting local people.”
The Think Waterford First Gift Card is available to buy at www.waterfordgiftcard.ie and in person from the Waterford Chamber office.
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