BUSINESS IS BOOMING AS ShopLK BRINGS IN MORE THAN €1MILLION IN SALES

Business is booming in Donegal’s biggest town of Letterkenny – and that’s official!

Less than two months after the launch of the ShopLK gift card, sales have hit and exceeded €1million.

In fact €1.1million has been loaded on to over 6,000 gift cards in this short period of time.

ShopLK voucher sales have been increasing year on year and in the last financial year finishing in October sales reached a record €850,000 so to achieve €1.1million in less than 8 weeks is astonishing.

The move to the Gift Card was implemented after much research and negotiation as a result of the scheme becoming so successful. Sales at that level using a paper based system was becoming a large administrative burden and the Chamber knew it was time to change. With some nervousness the project was started in October for a November launch and we haven’t looked back.

John Bowe, Chamber President said “We have seen the sales of vouchers increase each year from very humble beginnings and even through the downturn ShopLK voucher sales increased against all the odds. We knew eventually that we should move from the paper based system so in 2015 we made it our objective, found a provider that matched our needs and ambitions for the scheme and started the implementation project.”

“The cards went live on 25th November and we haven’t looked back. Already this year we are smashing all our previous records and beating our own targets. Even before the huge order from Pramerica that has been well reported we had already sold 4500 cards worth €500,000.”

It’s such a great achievement to have this amount of money being spent right here in Letterkenny all the time reinforcing the shop local concept. This is by far the most successful town scheme in the country and there is also a multiplier effect where consumers spend more during the voucher or card transaction. ShopLK therefore plays its part in supporting local businesses and most importantly supporting local jobs.

Welcoming the news, Mayor of Letterkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle said, “The Council have been supporting Letterkenny Chamber in the retail promotion initiative for four years now and we are delighted to see ShopLK and Letterkenny being put on the map as a commercial hub and retail centre. Achieving €1.1m sales in just eight weeks is a great start to 2016. Letterkenny retailers and others can only benefit from this cash injection at the start of the year.”

Toni Forrester Chamber CEO explains what sales have been like since November “ShopLK Gift Cards are bought throughout the year by individuals, groups and businesses whose staff have opted to have them instead of cash bonuses. This year many businesses increased the amount of the bonus to €500 in line with changing legislation. This has obviously made a difference to sales figures but we also saw many more sales to the general public. People have really taken to the new card so the transition was even better than we expected.”

“The ShopLK Gift Cards are accepted in over 140 outlets ranging from petrol stations to beauty salons. The phenomenal sales have encouraged over 10 new outlets to come on board in the last week and we welcome all types of outlets. Since Christmas we have seen the cards being used for cinema tickets, beauty treatments, oil fills, furniture, lunches and nights out. Because it is accepted in so many outlets you can do a whole days shopping, treat the family to a meal and even have a night out on the card.”

However Shop LK is more than just the gift card. It’s about promoting Letterkenny as a retail destination, the commercial hub of the County. With financial support from Donegal County Council Letterkenny Chamber through ShopLK has been able to elevate the ShopLK brand, publicise it across the North West and get local people recognising the value and choice right on their doorstep. The “Shop LK – Love Shopping Letterkenny” brand helps to underpin all that is good about shopping in Letterkenny for local people and visitors alike.

Letterkenny Chamber makes no money from the sale or redemption of gift cards so every cent brought in through ShopLK is invested back into the promotion of the brand throughout the year.

Acknowledging the support of Donegal County Council John Bowe said “The financial support that we have had from the Council over the last four years has really enabled us to develop the brand and engage more fully with businesses and consumers. It has allowed us to promote Letterkenny across Donegal and the North West. Introduction of the gift card has brought ShopLK to a whole new level that we will be building on throughout the year.”

“We would like to thank The Courtyard Shopping Centre that also sells our Gift Cards direct to the public, our ShopLK members who have supported the initiative, the many businesses large and small that continue to give staff bonuses in ShopLK Cards and the many people from across Letterkenny and beyond who have continued to buy ShopLK Gift cards as gifts all year round.”

Letterkenny Chamber could not run this highly successful initiative without the support of DSP Community Employment programme through which the Chamber is staffed. It is the frontline staff in the Chamber that provide the much needed resources throughout the year to make ShopLK such a success and the support of the Department of Social Protection is very much appreciated.

Letterkenny boasts an array of diverse shops with many taking part in the ShopLK promotion.

So from everything from a bike to a candle, you’ll find it all in the Cathedral Town – and at the right price.

And with many shops taking part in the ShopLK promotion, their prices are even cheaper.

These are just some of the businesses taking part in the ShopLK campaign.

LK BIKES AND TOYS

With keeping fit now all the rage, cycling has become a huge pastime for many. Why not treat yourself with your shop LK Voucher at LL Bikes Bonagee and receive an additional 10% discount? Log on to http://www.lkbikes.com/

MOURNE ANTIQUES

Antiques are now making a huge comeback be that a beautiful and practical piece for your home or that elusive gift for the person who has everything. And at Mourne Antiques, they really do have everything! Check them at https://www.facebook.com/mourneantiques/

COONEYS HOME AND GARDEN

Cooneys Home and Garden covers more than one full acre of retail space under
one roof. They have have a wonderful garden centre, exquisite boutique
furniture range, delicious in-store Cafe, beautiful giftwares,
children’s toys, homewares, party supplies and winter warming fireside
items. They also house the relocated Garys Petworld store which has
served pet supplies to the people of Letterkenny for over 22 years. Check them out at http://cooneyshomeandgarden.com

Station House Hotel

You can also relax while spending your ShopLK voucher – at the Station House Hotel…”It’s the perfect meeting place. Highly renowned for friendly and helpful service, morning coffees, afternoon lunch, a delicious dinner, sports coverage, live Entertainment and a great pint of Guinness! Check out the hotel at http://www.stationhouseletterkenny.com/en/

FORMAT COMPUTERS

Format computers have the best deals in technology sales and repairs. Find us at Station Roundabout , Letterkenny or shop online on www.formatcomputers.com . Find discounts on laptops, tablets, PCs, inks & toners, repairs & more.

 

DONEGAL STATIONERY

Donegal Stationery is as famous a Letterkenny shop as you will get! Contact them to request our Catalogue or with your requirements from their extensive product range. Buy all your Business, Arts and Schools Supplies. You won’t beat their prices!  Check them out on line at http://www.stationeryshop.ie/

See tomorrow’s  Donegal Daily for features on more Letterkenny businesses!

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