PERSHORE’s Pride loyalty card will come to an end in September after four years following a drop in support from local businesses owners for the scheme.
The loyalty card was revealed in 2012 in a bid to lure shoppers back to Pershore High Street and to support the variety of local businesses in the town.
Having been set up by Pershore Chamber of Trade initially, the final 12 months leading up to the closure has seen the scheme sponsored by Hughes and Company.
The loyalty card has a firm following of supporters with lots of cards being entered into the monthly draws, but organisers claim many of the businesses are no longer actively encouraging customers to take part in the scheme.
Without the active participation of traders, organisers have been forced to admit Pride is unable to reach new people and the value it brings to the town was arguably no longer greater than the administrative or promotional effort required to run the scheme.
Organiser Fiona Abbott, said: “As well as being a way to thank customers for their loyalty, Pride has encouraged residents and visitors to explore the businesses that make up the town and to venture into businesses they may otherwise not have visited.
“For businesses, Pride has proved a great support during some difficult trading years. It has raised the profile of the town and encouraged people to visit and spend time in Pershore.”
“When launching Pride, how long the scheme would run was never discussed. Pride has been a positive, community driven project for the town but all good things must come to an end,” she added.
The next regular draw will take place on Friday, August 26 and then remaining funds will be used for a final draw which will take place on Friday, September 30.
Prizes will be in the form of Pride vouchers and those lucky enough to win a prize will have until November 30 to spend them.
Shoppers are asked to fill as many Pride cards as they can between now and the final draw in September, to help Pride go out on a high.
Pride cards are available from all participating businesses and stickers will be available right up to the day of the final draw.
Visit www.pershorepridecard.co.uk for more information.
