Plans for new gift card exclusively for Limerick shops unveiled

PLANS for a new gift card suitable to use in shops exclusively across Limerick city and county have been unveiled.

This gift card “purely for Limerick” that can be spent only with Limerick businesses, is said to “set it apart from any others”.

It aims to encourage consumers to shop local.

Limerick City and County Council, in partnership with Limerick Chamber, have unveiled plans to introduce the new Limerick Gift Card and hope to launch it before Christmas.

It will be suitable to use across the city and in towns including Newcastle West, Adare, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Rathkeale.

Limerick businesses are encouraged to take part in the programme, which offers a no-commission basis.

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Michelle Gallagher, CEO of Limerick Chamber said: “A key unique selling point of the card is the commission free nature of it.

“Limerick businesses have experience of accepting the national cards that charge commission for every transaction.

“With the Limerick Gift Card, the business keeps 100% of the transaction, at no additional cost to the purchaser.”

Saying that it is also a “great and tax efficient opportunity for employers”, Ms Gallagher suggests that employees could be given the gift cards to use either in a work or personal capacity for Christmas and beyond.

“Every transaction will go a long way in helping local businesses in Limerick,” she said.

The Limerick Gift Card will be available as either a digital or physical gift card, with multiple benefits over paper gift vouchers, including security and quick payment for merchants accepting the card.

Mayor John Moran outlined plans for a shop local initiative in his Mayoral Programme in August.

He said: “The Mayoral Programme set out the plan to improve and invigorate Limerick’s shopping districts.

“That is exactly what the Limerick Gift Card will do, giving people money to spend with Limerick businesses, in person, driving footfall.”

The Limerick Gift Card will be part of the multi-award-winning Town & City Gift Card concept, currently active across Ireland in places such as Ballinrobe, Carndonagh, Drogheda, Letterkenny, Sligo and Waterford.

Over €7m Town & City Gift Cards were sold in Ireland in 2023, with around 80% of sales to organisations for staff rewards and incentives.