New gift card launched for Athlone businesses

A new gift card for the Athlone area has recently been launched by the Athlone Chamber of Commerce, providing the people of the town with a new way to support the local economy.

The gift card can be used in almost 80 shops in the town, ranging from Argos, Elverys and River Island to Park Jewellers, Smyths Toys and Woodies, and the chamber believes it could provide up to €1 million annually to Athlone if it is used to its greatest extent.

The card was launched on Thursday last at a small gathering of the Athlone Chamber of Commerce, local representatives and the provider of the card, Me2You, at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.

Managing Director of Me2You John Wall explained that one of the major benefits of the card is the fact that less of a margin is charged to retailers as opposed to other gift card providers.

"Those high margins were the catalyst for setting up Me2You and we've been growing organically ever since we set up in 2015," he said.

"We charge retailers less of a margin than other card providers, and we have a wider choice of retailers around the country that typically aren't on other gift cards.

"Employers can gift their employees up to €500 tax-free once a year, and there's quite a bit of savings that can be made by giving that in the form of a gift card as opposed to in a salary. We see this card as a real opportunity for local businesses to reward staff, for money to go back into the local economy and ultimately to support local jobs."

The scheme has been set up by Me2You in Laois and Carlow, and John said it has been successful in both towns.

The website for the card is also mobile-friendly, allowing people to check their balances by simply entering a nine-digit number found on the back of the card.

Gerry McInerney, CEO of the Athlone Chamber of Commerce said the idea for the card came about during the pandemic and they have been working on it ever since.

"The Chamber was looking to find a way to support local businesses during hard times, and a lot of man hours have gone into creating this card.

"Businesses have been very positive when we have approached them. We already have close to 80 and there will be more coming on board in the next few months. Gift card users typically spend well over the value of the card, which means more money for the local economy."

Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Frankie Keena said he believed the benefits of the card will be "huge" and that it will encourage people to shop locally. He commended the business who have gotten on board with the initiative and said he hoped that more will get involved in coming months.

President of the Athlone Chamber of Commerce Alan Shaw believes the card will be an investment into the town of Athlone.

"It will give local industry the chance to don the Athlone jersey and we are calling on employers to make the decision to use the Athlone gift card when rewarding staff at Christmas."

The Athlone Me2You gift card is available to purchase in Applegreen, Arcadia Retail Park, Centra, Castlemaine Street, Circle K, Brideswell Street, Spar, Monksland Service Station, and Centra, Connaught Street.

The card is also available to purchase online at athlonegiftcard.ie, where a full list of participating retailers is also available.