Watford’s ‘Shop and Eat Local’ campaign has kicked off the festive season in style, with local businesses reporting significant benefits and calling on town centre visitors to continue their support.
The initiative, spearheaded by Watford Town Centre BID and Watford Borough Council, has already led to an impressive 93% increase in sales of the Watford Gift Card between 1–25 November 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
A cornerstone of this year’s campaign has been promoting the gift card, which is accepted by over 140 local businesses, and offers the recipients the flexibility to enjoy everything Watford has to offer while directly benefiting the local economy.
This achievement highlights the growing success of the campaign in encouraging residents to shop and dine locally, supporting the town’s unique businesses during the crucial festive period.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “It’s fantastic to see the success of the campaign so far. The increase in Watford Gift Card sales demonstrates how our community is embracing the message of supporting local businesses. Let’s keep this momentum going into December and show how much we value independent and local shops, eateries, and services that make Watford so special.”
Kara, Watford Town Centre BID’s Manager, said: “Every purchase of the Watford Gift Card ensures that money stays in our town. There’s plenty of gift cards on the market from the huge online shopping and tech brands, but they don’t offer the same thoughtfulness as a Watford Gift Card that supports local businesses and local people.
“Treat your friends, family and work colleagues to the gift of choice this Christmas and feel better knowing that you’re supporting our local town, whilst providing the recipient with a huge choice of where to spend!”
Jana, General Manager of Cassio Lounge, said: “We really encourage locals to choose Watford Town Centre restaurants and bars when deciding where to host Christmas meals and parties. It is a busy time for us – but that’s the way we want it to be!
“As well as supporting local bars and restaurants with your festive visits, remember that the Watford Gift Card is a great gift because it can also be spent in food & drink venues such as ourselves. By gifting the Watford Gift Card to friends and family, it may encourage them to treat themselves to a well-deserved evening out.”
Kasia, Owner of Heather & Rose Health, said: “Shopping local during Christmas is vitally important to the local economy, and it supports local livelihoods too. Visiting our shops during Christmas time as well as gifting the Watford Gift Card to friends, family and colleagues is the perfect way to support Watford Town Centre.
“It’s also important to remember that there’s a great selection of shops outside of the shopping centre that sometimes get forgotten about – shops like Heather & Rose are the hidden gems of our town!”
Discover the best of Watford with one handy gift card at: townandcitygiftcards.com/product/watford-gift-card.
