1,500 join shoppers' discount scheme

More than 400 visited the Shop Local stall in All Saints’ Square last Tuesday to sign up for the newly launched loyalty card, which entitles its holders to discounts from 60 town centre shops, services and restaurants.

And since the launch day, a further 1,000 people in just two days have signed up online by visiting www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk.

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A spokeswoman for Rotherham’s town centre management team said that website activities figures revealed that up to 20 people were signing up every hour.

The Shop Local 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 was just three weeks before the town is transformed with festive lights and fake snow for a Midsummer Christmas on July 30 and 31.

Rotherham Borough Council’s development chief, Cllr Gerald Smith, said: “It's great to see the scheme working so well.

“The response from the public has encouraged yet more town centre businesses to sign up to take part and offer their discounts.

“I encourage every business to take part in this and every shopper to register for their card as this is a win-win situation for the town centre and its shoppers.”

The council’s Business & Retail Investment Team had a stall on the Street Market again on Tuesday to give shoppers another chance to register for their card and collect their goodie bag.

Those who have missed out so far can still register at participating stores, which have the Shop Local sticker in their windows, or through the Visitor Centre in All Saints’ Square and the Central Library.

Registration cards are being delivered more widely throughout the borough this week.