AN innovative new initiative that rewards regular local shopping has launched in Galashiels.

Over 30 businesses in the Borders town have signed up to the programme that automatically rewards customers for shopping with them, including retail, hospitality and leisure venues.

The new loyalty programme is the latest project from Energise Galashiels Trust to create a more vibrant community, and has been introduced following two-year funding from Scotland’s Towns Partnership.

Mi Rewards Galashiels is linked to customers’ regular payment cards, with no need to show a separate loyalty card.

Participants earn one point for every £1 spent locally, and every 10 points becomes an entry into a monthly prize draw to win local prizes that showcase the best of the area.

Local prizes on offer in the coming months include cinema visits, jewellery and accessories, furniture, technology and dining out experiences. There is also the chance for participants to win national prizes, with a Lay-Z-spa Barbados AirJet as the prize for June.

Debbie Paterson of Energise Galashiels Trust said: Our continued work in supporting the business owners of Galashiels, specifically those located in the town centre, has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the Mi Rewards programme. Offering our businesses the opportunity to be part of a customer reward programme that requires little effort on their part, that also gives our shoppers the chance to win local and national prizes as a reward for their loyalty, is fantastic.

“We are proud that Galashiels is the first town in the south of Scotland to be running a programme like Mi Rewards and we hope both businesses and customers use it to its full advantage.”

Galashiels businesses that have already signed up to the initiative include Kinalba, the Pavilion Cinema, Torwoodlee Golf Club, The Salmon Inn, Bulldog Bakes, Inis, Music Station and Tzunun.

Nail technician and make-up artist Nicola Tonner said: “Having set up my business during the Covid-19 pandemic, following my move to Galashiels from Edinburgh, I have been really impressed with the support offered by Energise Galashiels Trust. The Mi Rewards programme is a brilliant tool that I can easily use to reward my clients and promote that I’m part of the town’s business community too.”

People can join Mi Rewards Galashiels for free by visiting: https://mi-rewards.com/galashiels