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Sidney by the Sea is introducing its own Gift Card to enhance shop local efforts, drive tourism and support economic impact.
The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society (Sidney BIA) is leading the new Gift Card initiative as a means to showcase the unique businesses in the town’s vibrant downtown core and keep more dollars local.
Known as the Sidney by the Sea Gift Card, the Gift Card can be spent with multiple downtown businesses, including restaurants and cafés, stores, beauty and wellness, attractions and cultural venues.
Morgan Shaw, Executive Director, from Sidney BIA said having its own Gift Card will help its businesses to thrive:
“Sidney is a charming storybook town. Having our own Gift Card program is a way that we can preserve the uniqueness of Sidney and show our support for our locally-owned and operated businesses. This is a Gift Card that has so many uses for our residents, from birthdays to Mother’s Day, teacher gifts to employee appreciation gifts. Giving the Sidney by the Sea Gift Card gives the recipient choice, and it also keeps dollars locked into Sidney so we can keep our town thriving.”
The Gift Card will also be used to drive tourism to Sidney, encouraging both new and repeat visitors to the town.
Morgan adds: “Tourism contributes significantly to our economy and the Gift Card will support it by offering a curated experience of Sidney, from places to stay to things to do, places to eat to self-care, shopping and more. We look forward to using our new Gift Card to help even more people enjoy the coastal beauty and memorable experiences on offer in Sidney.”
One of the businesses where the Gift Card can be spent is family-owned Small Gods Brewing Co. Founder Chris Bjerrisgaard said the introduction of the Sidney by the Sea Gift Card is a great way of showing off Sidney’s unique character
“Our purpose at Small Gods is to create Sidney’s living room, an inclusive place where people can enjoy food, drink and literature, in honour of Sidney being Canada’s book town, with the most bookstores in the country.
“The business community in Sidney is intertwined and what I like about the Gift Card is that it’s a collaborative effort for the town, and it gives the recipient choice. Instead of carrying gift vouchers for ten different stores, one Sidney by the Sea Gift Card allows the recipient to experience Sidney in their own way.
“There is so much to do in Sidney, and when all of that variety is packed together into one Gift Card I think it will really show off our incredible offering and amenities. The Gift Card is a distinct opportunity for Sidney to encourage short-haul tourists who might ordinarily blow past us on a boat to experience the town.”
Another business where the Gift Card can be spent is Hansell and Halkett. Co-owner Patricia Pearson said:
“Hansell and Halkett is an antique/vintage business focused on furniture, home décor plus items created by local artists; all with a focus on reducing our ecological footprint. The Sidney by the Sea Gift Card gives the recipient so many great options for how to spend it, so they can choose a gift that they really want or need, reducing waste. It’s a versatile gift but it feels personal because it has the connection to Sidney and supports small businesses.
“We’re fortunate to have an amazing local following. However, all small businesses need fresh faces coming through the door and with limited marketing budgets it can be difficult to attract new customers. Being a part of the Gift Card brings visibility to Sidney’s businesses. Sidney has changed a lot in recent years with new restaurants and shops opening, and I love that we can demonstrate all that is available locally through the Gift Card.”
The Gift Card is available to buy in person from the Sidney Visitor Centre at 2281 Beacon Avenue, and online with delivery direct to the recipient.
The technology for the Sidney by the Sea Gift Card is provided by fintech Miconex in association with international payments technology solutions provider EML Payments. Miconex operates its Downtown Gift Card concept in Canada and the US, and over 100 Town & City Gift Card programs in the UK and Ireland.
The Sidney by the Sea Gift Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any other government deposit insurer or agency. Funds do not expire, non-reloadable and no cash access. For Cardholder Agreement or Customer Service: www.getmybalance.com or 1-833-558-1108.
