Discount scheme to help lure Rotherham shoppers

That’s the message behind the latest drive by businesses and council chiefs to encourage more shoppers to make the most of the bargains to be had on their doorstep.

Sixty businesses have teamed up with Rotherham Borough Council for the Shop Local scheme, which will see people who sign up for a loyalty card entitled to discounts around the town centre.

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The initiative is the latest bid by the council and town centre traders to persuade shoppers to head for Rotherham rather than the likes of Meadowhall.

It comes just two weeks after plans were revealed for a Midsummer Christmas, which will see the town transformed with festive lights and fake snow on July 30 and 31.

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The Shop Local loyalty card will be launched on Tuesday to coincide with the weekly street market and the latest Rotherham Rocks hair and beauty event.

Shoppers will be able to collect their card by visiting the Shop Local stall or by popping into the visitor centre in All Saints’ Square or a participating town centre store.

The council’s director of planning and regeneration, Paul Woodcock, said: “Shop Local is the big campaign to increase footfall to the town centre and it’s encouraging to see so many businesses signed up and committed to it. “The marketing and promotion of this scheme is crucial but we hope we’ve got the basics right.

“We have the offer and now it actually pays for people to shop here.

“With an increase of free events this year and new shops and market stalls opening up we feel Rotherham town centre has a lot to offer in comparison to competing centres.”

Council leader Roger Stone also threw his weight behind the scheme, saying: “We recognise that at the moment people haven’t got the disposable income that traders have benefited from in past years.

“Therefore, it is important for Rotherham town centre to be competitive and it's through this great partnership between public and private sectors that we have been able to offer this massive incentive to our residents who at the moment may shop elsewhere.

“Shopping locally not only means people will now tap into a range of offers and discounts, but they will also cut down on their fuel costs, they will boost their local economy and help keep jobs in the town centre.”

Shoppers will be able check out the current Shop Local discounts and bargains on offer in the town centre by visiting www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk.