Northern Ireland traders seeing boost from High Street vouchers scheme

Traders across Northern Ireland today have joined Economy Minister Gordon Lyons in urging people to spend their High Street vouchers in local shops.

The Minister said: “We are hearing from those working in the retail, hospitality and service sectors across Northern Ireland that the High Street Scheme is helping to turn their businesses around after the pandemic, but there is ground still to cover until we reach recovery.

“That is why it is important that everyone spends every last penny on their £100 pre-paid Spend Local card in their local businesses.”

Lorna Pegg is from family owned business Sew’n’Knit in Lisburn which was first established over 30 years ago.

She said they have seen an uplift in customers using their Spend Local cards.

Lorna said: “I have had a lot of customers using their High Street voucher towards new sewing machines. This is great to see as a sewing machine is a one off purchase.

“There is a buzz in the city centre as people seem to be generally happier when out and about spending their hundred pounds High Street voucher.”