France/Haute Gironde: the Communauté de communes de l'Estuaire launches a 100% local gift card

The aim of the card is to encourage local consumption and support local commerce in the CdC area.

The Communauté de communes de l'Estuaire is keen to support the development of local commerce. To this end, it has just launched a 100% local gift card, a tool designed to encourage local consumption. "Many active people work in the area, but don't live here. The idea is simple: to help them discover the local shops and thus create a local consumption reflex", explains Louis Cavaleiro, vice-president of the CdC.

As part of this economic and local project, an information meeting was held with shopkeepers and craftsmen. And the gift card is already proving popular. "The project has been very well received, and around thirty of them have expressed an interest," says Aurélie Charles, who is in charge of trade and the local economy at the CdC. "It's a simple, professional system with no fixed costs for retailers.

Distributed to businesses

"The Communauté de communes covers the full cost of setting up the system and the monthly subscription. The only remaining expense for merchants is a commission of 5% (excl. VAT) deducted from each use of the card when purchases are reimbursed within seven days", explains Lydia Héraud, President of the CdC.

"The idea is simple: to help people discover local shops and create a reflex for local consumption".

The card is intended for distribution to local businesses, who can offer it to their employees as part of loyalty-building, team-building, employee benefits, Christmas, etc. Associations and local authorities can also offer the card to their employees. Associations and local authorities can also offer the card to their employees. A godsend for local retailers. And with good reason, since large companies often distribute gift vouchers that can only be used in the big stores.

Valid for thirteen months, the gift card is equipped with a QR Code that identifies the retailer. The retailer will also display a sticker in the window and a sign at the checkout. A list of participating retailers will be kept up to date by the CdC's economic services team.

Source: www.sudouest.fr/