Shop York returns for 2026 to celebrate and support York’s high streets
A popular campaign to support York’s city centre shops is returning for 2026. Shop York, a project from York BID, in partnership with Indie York, is designed to support York’s retailers and fabulous independent businesses while encouraging residents to shop locally during the quieter winter months.
Launching on Saturday 31st January 2026 as part of York Residents’ Festival, Shop York invites shoppers to spend £50 in 50 days, across more than 100 participating high street businesses. With many retailers joining for the first time this year, shoppers can enjoy exclusive offers, be in with a chance to win great prizes, and support York’s brilliant local shops.
Every time a shopper spends £10 in a participating business, they receive one sticker in their passport. Once five stickers have been collected, shoppers can enter the incredible prize draw, with the top prize of a £500 York Gift Card!
Prizes include Ray-Ban sunglasses, Levi’s jeans, local experiences, jewellery, and many more prizes generously donated by York’s brilliant businesses.
Following the success of the inaugural Shop York campaign in 2025, which saw strong engagement from both shoppers and businesses across the city, York BID received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participating retailers. Many reported increased footfall, repeat visits, and valuable exposure during a traditionally quieter period.
Cat, who runs Give the Dog a Bone on Fossgate, is taking part again this year; “We definitely saw an increase in footfall during the scheme in 2025. It brought more people into the shop, and customers were really engaged – some even told us they’d already visited several other participating businesses. It’s a great way to attract new shoppers and create a bit of buzz in York.”
Shoppers who want to take part can pick up a Shop York Passport from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street, or from participating businesses across the city from 31st January 2026.
Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, said:“We truly believe York has some of the best high streets in the country, and Shop York is all about celebrating that and supporting our high street businesses. Following the success of the first campaign in 2025, we’re delighted to be bringing Shop York back for 2026 and extending it to 50 days, giving shoppers even longer to take part. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who gets involved and continues to back local – our diverse high streets are what makes York so special, and supporting local businesses is vital to keep our high streets thriving.”
Participation in Shop York is free for retailers who are members of York BID or Indie York.
Polly Bennett, Deputy Chair of Indie York, said; “Shop York is a brilliant way to shine a light on – and support – the incredible retailers that make shopping in York so unique. We hope locals and visitors will take the opportunity to seek out new places, return to old favourites and rediscover the joy of shopping on the high street.”
To find out more about participating businesses, exclusive offers and prizes, visit www.shop-york.co.uk.