Savvy shoppers can now feel rewarded for buying local, as sector experts Miconex and technology partner Stampfeet begin the first stage of a nationwide rollout of ‘Mi Rewards’ their innovative, cardless rewards scheme that gives back to those supporting local businesses.
The programme begins its staged release in Perth where over 50 local businesses including concert halls, cinemas, leisure centres, restaurants, cafes and shops are already enrolled in the scheme.
Following this, Mi Rewards is expected to launch in partner cities such as Glasgow, Salisbury, Bath, Sheffield and Edinburgh over the coming months. With over 20 cities who already use Miconex gift cards interested, following a successful trial, the programme aims to reinvigorate the British high street and give residents a greater incentive to spend money on their doorstep.
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In addition to this, Mi Rewards customers also receive perks, event tickets and random acts of kindness just for being part of the scheme.
The programme is simplicity itself. When registered customers spend money in local businesses with a linked debit or credit card they automatically earn points for their Mi Rewards account with no extra loyalty cards or apps required.
A diverse range of businesses have already signed up for the scheme covering everything from shops and butchers to florists, hairdressers, hotels and swimming pools, and that’s just naming a few.
This means shoppers can be rewarded when buying, a new outfit, a meal or movie ticket just for using the local hairdressers or purchasing steak from the butcher down the street.
Miconex managing director, Colin Munro, said: “I’m really happy to be launching Mi Rewards today. As a city, we wanted to reward people for spending money in Perth. The Mi Rewards programme enables the businesses here to give something back to the people that are supporting them in the form of points which can be exchanged for town/city gift cards and also perks to being part of the programme. This not about pitching one business against another, this is about everyone working together to make the customer feel valued.
“By making business communities more competitive and rewarding consumers for spending on their doorstep, we’re helping to build better local economies and creating stronger places”
Leigh Brown, Chair of the Association of Town and City Management and City Centre Manager at Perth and Kinross Council, added: “Mi Rewards is a programme which will allow Place Managers to develop a greater understanding of how people are engaging with their local towns and cities.
“With the data provided by the scheme, Place Managers will gain a better understanding of how local residents are using their towns and cities, and how we can adapt places to satisfy evolving consumer preferences. With this information, we can improve
