SALES of ShopLK gift vouchers have topped €4 million. Last year saw a 34 per-cent rise in the popularity of the shopping initiative which took it past the milestone figure.
ShopLK has gone from strength to strength since being launched in 2004 by Letterkenny Chamber.
It moved to gift card format in 2015 and sales have increased year on year among customers and employers who use them to reward staff.
Following another record breaking 12 months, Chamber President Kristine Reynolds said, “Each year since the launch of our ShopLK gift cards we have been delighted with the increasing sales levels.
“This latest increase of 34 per-cent exceeded all our expectations. In 2021 sales were €3,028,446 while in 2022 they reached an incredible €4,066,695.”
Ms Reynolds added that financial support from Donegal County Council and the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District have been vital in promoting the initiative across the wider Donegal and north west region.
“We would also like to thank The Bookmark outlet at The Courtyard Shopping Centre who also sell our ShopLK Gift Cards directly to the public. This has greatly benefitted the initiative, most especially during peak sales periods,” said the Chamber President.
Created on an ethos of local shopping, the gift card is redeemable at over 240 outlets. Letterkenny Chamber said that given the latest sales figures, the ‘shop local’ message was getting through.
Chamber Chief Executive Toni Forrester added, “ShopLK is about promoting Letterkenny as a retail destination and the commercial hub of the county.
“Being a ShopLK member gives businesses another promotional platform and encourages them to increase their own brand awareness and stand out in a competitive market.
“We also pay thanks to the many businesses and customers who buy the cards in their thousands. By buying the ShopLK Gift cards they are benefitting the domestic economy directly.”
Ms Forrester added that ShopLK could not be run without the support of the Community Employment programme through which the Chamber is staffed.
“It is the frontline staff in the Chamber who 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.”
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