A new Dundee Gift Card has just launched with the aim of supporting local businesses

Picture: Dundee City Council / Supplied

A new version of the Dundee Gift Card has officially launched today, Friday 4 July, with the aim of encouraging people to shop, dine, and experience more of what the city has to offer.

Backed by local businesses and Dundee City Council, the revamped card features a refreshed identity that highlights some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including V&A Dundee, RRS Discovery and the penguin statues at Nethergate.

Building on the success of the Dundee Loves Local Gift Card, which was first introduced by the Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce in 2021, the new card has shown consistent year-on-year growth of up to 35%.

Its relaunch coincides with Independents Day UK – a national campaign held each July to celebrate and support independent retail businesses across the country.

Available both digitally and as a physical card, the new Dundee Gift Card can already be used at more than 200 businesses throughout the city.

These include a wide range of independent retailers, cafes, restaurants, attractions and service providers, alongside national chains such as Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Boots and Marks & Spencer.

Fair work, economic growth and infrastructure convener, Councillor Steven Rome, welcomed the relaunch, saying: “The new Dundee Gift Card is a brilliant way to encourage people who want to buy local and support the business community in the city. I was delighted to meet and chat with a few of the over 200 businesses who are on board. It’s important that we have a vibrant and thriving city with lots to offer for locals and visitors. This card supports that. It will help to stimulate our local economy and support Dundee jobs.”

To mark the launch, local businesses taking part in the scheme are being highlighted, including long-standing independents like The Cheesery and Keiller’s Gift Shop.

David Farry of Keiller’s Gift Shop said: “As a family-owned business serving Dundee for over 40 years, we know how important it is to support local. The Dundee Gift Card gives people a real reason to do just that, helping to keep our high street lively and full of character.”

Hilary Barney, owner of The Cheesery, added: “We signed up to the Dundee Gift Card as I think it’s so important to support local businesses and programs like this are a great way to do it.”

The new gift card continues to be part of the wider Scotland Loves Local programme, delivered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership in partnership with fintech company Miconex. The scheme is designed to keep spending local and support economic recovery in communities across the country.

Existing Dundee Loves Local Gift Cards will remain valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Cards are available to buy online and from selected locations across the city.

For more information or to get a card, visit https://townandcitygiftcards.com/product/dundee-gift-card/