SCORES of Bournemouth town centre retailers, restaurants, cafes, bars and leisure venues have signed up to a new gift card scheme for consumers.

The Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Card will be launched to the public on October 5 and is set to be a significant boost to the town’s economy.

The scheme works in the same way as shopping centre or department store gift cards but can be used with retailers and businesses across the town centre area. It will be formally unveiled to the business community this Wednesday, September 11, 6pm, at DNA in Old Christchurch Road.

Purchasers choose how much they want to pre-load onto the card and then give it to family, friends or work colleagues to spend as they wish.

Among those participating in the Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Card are Odeon, Lush, Pandora, Beales, Cath Kidston, Skechers, Pizza Express, Las Iguanas, the Real Greek, Mr Mulligans and more, plus dozens of the town’s independent businesses.

The scheme is the initiative of the Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID). Chief operating officer Paul Kinvig said: “This is a fantastic way to keep spend right at the heart of the local economy. Our local businesses keep the town centre vibrant and a great place to live, work and shop and this another excellent way to support them.

“I am absolutely delighted that so many retailers, venues, cafes, restaurants and other service businesses have signed up and see the value of the Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Card.”

There are a number of similar schemes in other parts of the UK including Perth and Bristol and the BID has worked with card system specialist Miconex to deliver the scheme.

BID chairman Martin Davies said the Mastercard-based gift card could also be used by the town centre’s many offices and companies as an incentive for employees and colleagues.

He said: “The scheme is a significant boost for the fantastic businesses that help make Bournemouth the great place it is.”

There is no chip and PIN, the card is simply swiped through a card machine by the retailer.

A click and collect scheme will enable also purchasers to buy online and then pick up the cards at a number of locations including the Beales customer service desk, Yellow Buses travel shop in the town centre and the Daily Echo reception on Richmond Hill.

A list of businesses taking part in the scheme will be available shortly on the gift card directory website at www.bournemouthgiftcard.co.uk, with more being added daily.

An FAQ fact sheet for businesses is available from the BID along with point of sale kits to help promote the scheme in individual premises, shops and venues. Contact info@towncentrebid.co.uk.