The York Gift Card launches, just in time for Christmas

The hard-to-buy-for man who has everything, the tricky teenager, the office secret santa gift – the team at York BID have the answer to your Christmas present conundrums this year.

The BID are launching the York Gift Card – just in time for Christmas. Discover the best of York with one handy gift card that takes the headache out of choosing a gift, but gives plenty of options to the recipient, while benefiting the local business community.

Recipients can spend the card at around 200 businesses in York – look out for the York Gift Card sign or check the website for participating businesses. The range of businesses that have signed up to the scheme includes both local and national businesses across a range of sectors, including fashion, food, drink, entertainment and gifts, making it the most flexible and locally sustainable present around.

Carl Alsop, Operations Manager of York BID, said, “The York gift card is really simple to use. Just look for the signs in the windows of shops, bars, restaurants and museums. This is about giving someone great choice in a gift, while making sure that your money is spent in the local economy.”

The York Gift Card is a preloaded Mastercard, valid for a year from the date of issue and can be redeemed in multiple transactions in a variety of businesses in the city centre area. This BID initiative is a great gift for any occasion and can also be used as an employee incentive or bonus scheme.

Brian Littlejohn, Deputy Manager at Marks & Spencer and Deputy Chair of the York Retail Forum said, ‘Part of the strategy of York BID and the Forum is to keep it local, and the gift card is a brilliant tool for this. It’s a fantastic collaboration of retailers, hospitality outlets and the BID working together for the benefit of the all – great teamwork!’

The card launches on Monday 21st October. After this date you can buy the card at York Gin on Pavement, or online at www.yorkgiftcard.com. It will also be sold at the St Nicholas Christmas market. Give it to friends, family members or colleagues.

Participating businesses include:

Marks & Spencer, Fenwicks, Browns, York Museums, Pairings Wine Bar, Yorkshire Bar & Grill, Pyramid Gallery, Lush, Ambiente Tapas and Brew York. A full list can be found at: www.yorkgiftcard.com