We want people to shop in Sunderland this Christmas and keep money in the local economy
People are being encouraged to shop, eat and spend their leisure time in Sunderland this Christmas.
A campaign has been started to encourage Mackems and visitors to the city to make the most of what Sunderland has to offer over the busy festive period.
Spend It In Sunderland has been launched by Sunderland’s BIDs – which include the City Centre BID and the Seafront BID – to encourage people to stay local at this time of year.
Supported by the Bridges and Sunderland City Council, the campaign is aimed at promoting the ways people can support the local economy when Christmas shopping and also by spending time in the city, enjoying everything from its vibrant restaurant scheme to attractions such as the new cinema and the recently launched Once Upon A Winter Trail.
Spend It In Sunderland will also focus on the BID’s successful Sunderland Gift Card scheme which can be used at more than 200 different outlets across the city.
Along with being purchased by individuals, major companies across the city including Ocado and Nissan, have bought the cards as a thank you for customers and staff with the added bonus of supporting local businesses at the same time.
To date the gift card has added £450,000 to the local economy and the hope is that number will increase this year.
“Spend It In Sunderland is all about showing what the city has to offer and asking people to buy local when they are making their Christmas purchases,” said Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID.
“We have so many amazing independents for anyone looking for something different, along with lots of great high street names.
“The campaign is not just about shopping however – it’s about getting people to make the most of all the other ways you can spend your time in the city.
“It could be going out for a meal, going to the theatre or the cinema or just enjoying some of the Christmas activities such as the Once Upon A Winter Trail or the Winter in Sunderland experience at Keel Square.
“We just want to highlight that there’s nothing better than Spending It In Sunderland this festive season.”
Karen Eve, Centre Director at the Bridges Shopping Centre, said: “At the Bridges, we’re proud to be part of a campaign that really captures the spirit of Christmas in our city and celebrates all that Sunderland has to offer.
“Whether it’s picking up gifts, enjoying festive food and drink or taking in the lights and winter activities, every penny spent helps strengthen our local economy and we’re delighted to play our part in delivering a magical Christmas for the whole community.”
Sunderland Gift Cards can be purchased at sunderlandgiftcard.com
For more information on Spend It In Sunderland campaign visit spenditinsunderland.co.uk