Gift card program ready to disrupt the gift card market.

March 27, 2018 - KELOWNA, BC: A new business has started in Kelowna, and supporters of the buy local movement are going to love it. The Local Gift Card is a gift card program that is exclusively for locally owned businesses, and people that want to ensure their gift card dollars stay in the local economy. The venture was started to give small, local businesses a better option when it comes to gift cards and promoting their business.

The Local Gift Card has been co-founded by local entrepreneurs Sarah Coffey, of Unless Market, and Angela Nagy, of Greenstep Solutions. When looking at whether to invest in gift cards for her retail business Sarah wished there was a better option. “I had heard that you could get a gift card at Orchard Park that could be used at any mall store - I wanted the same thing but for locally owned businesses only,” says Coffey. “I am very proud that now there will be a gift card - just like the one at the mall - but just for locally owned businesses!”

Nagy is equally enthusiastic “As a long-time supporter and advocate of the local economy movement, I am excited to be working part of something that will help locally owned businesses in the Okanagan and beyond, better compete in today’s challenging marketplace. There are numerous environmental, social and economic benefits that come from supporting local businesses.” Research by LOCO BC indicates that in Canada, local businesses recirculate 2.6x more money into the local economy than multinational chains.

The team is looking to immediately bring on 100 founding local businesses in the Central Okanagan, before making the gift cards available for sale. This will ensure that card-holders will have a good selection of options to choose from when redeeming their gift cards. Retailers, service providers, tourism businesses and even thrift shops can join, so long as they are 100% locally owned. Gift cards will be available online, and also at select locations, by the fall of 2018.

In the spirit of supporting all things local, The Local Gift Card, will donate a minimum of 1% of sales back to the community via gift cards for local fundraisers. In addition, locally owned non-profits can become part of the movement and accept the gift cards just like they would a donation.

Owners of local businesses interested in becoming a founding member of The Local Gift Card should get in touch soon before all of the founding spots are taken. Customers who would love to support the buy local movement can pledge to buy a gift card. All pledges will become gift cards of equal value on the gift card release date and are a great way to show the local businesses you support them. Both businesses and customers can reach The Local Gift Card through their website www.thelocalgiftcard.ca or stop by Unless Market and talk to Sarah.