An initiative to promote local businesses in Letterkenny, Co Donegal hit a record level of support in 2022, with over €4 million in sales of gift cards specific to the town.
ShopLK was first launched in 2004 by Letterkenny Chamber as a local shopping initiative. It was moved to a gift card in 2015, with sales increasing annually.
Last year saw a record increase of 34% in sales of the gift card, which Letterkenny Chamber says is now the gift of choice for any season and is also seen as "the best employee reward around".
Chamber President Kristine Reynolds said they have been "delighted" with increasing sale levels.
"This increase of 34% exceeded all our expectations, 2021 sales were €3,028,446 and this year they reached an incredible €4,066,695," she said.
"We have seen corporate sales increase year after year as businesses increasingly chose the ShopLK Gift Card as a reward for their employees."
ShopLK gift cards are only redeemable in Letterkenny and can be used at over 240 member outlets. Ms Reynolds said it "all about supporting local shopping".
According to Letterkenny Chamber, records show that at least one third of customers using the card often spend up to four times the value.
CEO of Letterkenny Chamber Toni Forrester said ShopLK is more than just a gift card.
"ShopLK is about promoting Letterkenny as a retail destination and the commercial hub of the county," she said.
"Being a ShopLK member gives businesses another promotional platform and encourages them to increase their own brand awareness and stand out in a competitive market."
Ms Forrester thanked the the many businesses and customers who buy the cards in their thousands.
"By buying the ShopLK Gift cards they are benefitting the domestic economy directly", she said.
