Leeds entrepreneurs launch new OPEN gift card to help independents in the city and suburbs

Three local entrepreneurs have launched new type of gift card which can be used across the city centre and suburbs in a wide variety of independent businesses.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The OPEN gift card is designed to give people a genuine alternative to big retailer gift cards, by allowing them to spend locally and in doing so drive additional revenue into small independent businesses, helping to support the local economy.

It directs consumers to spend where needed, tapping into a growing appetite for socially-conscious shopping and is free for businesses to register, they simply pay a small commission on any purchases made with the card.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Consumers can order an OPEN gift card online at www.opengiftcard.co.uk, or pick one up from any registered business. They load funds in their own time through the OPEN website and you can add from £10 to £120. It works in the same way as a typical store gift card, the difference being the recipient can choose to spend the balance, in person, with a wide range of participating independent businesses located in and around the city centre and suburbs. OPEN gift cards can be used with online only retailers in the new year.

Two of the founders of the OPEN gift card scheme, Tim Rooke and Paul Lenihan.Two of the founders of the OPEN gift card scheme, Tim Rooke and Paul Lenihan.
Two of the founders of the OPEN gift card scheme, Tim Rooke and Paul Lenihan.
Read More
Read More: Shops in Leeds where you can buy unique Christmas gifts

Mr Rooke added: “The card can be spent in any of the registered independent businesses. So you don’t have to worry about knowing the exact coffee shop or deli that someone uses, you simply buy them an OPEN gift card and they can spend it in places they use all the time, or of course, they can explore all those new places they’ve still not got round to trying yet.”

There is 24 months to use the card from the date when funds are uploaded.

Director of hair salon Haus of XS, Sara Turner said: “The OPEN gift card is a great opportunity for local people to support small businesses. The card will help drive footfall and support those independent businesses, like me, who have suffered terribly during the COVID pandemic and it’s vital that people help support their local independent businesses if we have any chance of survival. I’ve recently relocated my salon from the city centre to Chapel Allerton so it’s also a great way to help increase awareness to new customers at little cost.”

The OPEN gift card can be used in shops, bars and cafes.The OPEN gift card can be used in shops, bars and cafes.
The OPEN gift card can be used in shops, bars and cafes.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The entrepreneurs have also recently joined forces with ‘Leeds Indie Food’ who have just launched a directory of over 700 local independents www.supportyourlocalindie.co.uk, and are also part of the #buyleeds campaign. If the card proves to be a success in Leeds, the company intend to roll out the concept nationally.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.