BUSINESSES wanting to reward staff or customers this festive season can now find it easier than ever – with the added bonus of supporting Sunderland’s economy.
The Sunderland Gift Card – introduced by Sunderland BID – has signed up around 200 businesses since it was launched, amounting to more than £300,000 worth of sales.
And now with companies looking to gift employees or clients, they are being encouraged to buy them a card.
The BID has now introduced another method to make purchasing the card even easier, with the introduction of a click and collect scheme.
This new option means the cards can be purchased online and then picked up from the BID’s office at The Yard in the city centre.
Buyers can also choose from buying online and having the cards delivered directly – with a new option for corporate purchasers which allows them to pay by card or be invoiced.
Other ways to purchase the card include in person from selling points at the Bridges, Museum & Winter Gardens, National Glass Centre and at Washington and Houghton Libraries.
Alternatively, they can be sent as an e-card, which can go directly to the recipient’s e-wallet. The existing system has also been tweaked, to allow multiple digital gift cards to be bought at the same time.
Buyers can change the value of the cards as part of one single process and also choose a date and time for them to be delivered.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, said she hoped companies looking to buy seasonal gifts would consider the cards.
“There are so many positive reasons why the Sunderland Gift Card is a good choice for corporate gifting,” she said.
“Firstly, it means the recipient can choose something they really want, rather than having to find one gift that suits everyone.
“It also means that the buyer is supporting the local economy as the cards will be spent in businesses in and around the city centre which is a win win for everyone.”
She added: “the fact that we’ve now added additional ways to buy the card makes them easier and more convenient to purchase that ever before.”
Kristen Colley, Engagement and Diversity for Sunderland-based Ocado is also encouraging other businesses to support the scheme.
"We’re always looking for new ways to reward our Customer Hub colleagues for delivering a fantastic customer experience for our Ocado Retail customers,” she said.
“Over the last few years, we replaced Amazon gift card rewards with Sunderland City gift cards. Why? because our colleagues prefer them and because we have a responsibility to support the community we’re incredibly proud to be part of.
“We have used the gift cards to recognise our everyday heroes through our gamification platform that we call Mint, our Star award presentations, operational incentives and celebrating special moments of going the extra mile to deliver joy for our customers.
“Christmas is a super busy time for retail and hospitality, so we save our Christmas parties for the new year. We reach out to our local restaurants with a budget we’d like to spend with them to support them in the lull after the festive period.
“They provide us with a set menu and drinks deal for team celebrations. We pay using Sunderland City gift cards and give our colleagues a choice of where they go. They love the freedom of choice and locality.
“We’re so excited to see the list of local businesses continue to grow in 2025. "
The Sunderland Gift Card is accepted at scores of outlets, from retail to experiences such as the theatre and cinema to numerous restaurants and bars.
Any business wanting to order Sunderland Gift Cards can do so by visiting corporate.townandcitygiftcards.com/the-sunderland-gift-card-2 or to find out more can email [email protected] or call 0191 722 1002.
Any organisation which has not signed up but would like to be part of the scheme can also contact the BID on the email above.