SHOPPERS using the Sunderland City Gift Card will now have more choice than ever before, with the Bridges signing up to be part of the scheme.
Since the citywide gift card was launched in 2020 by Sunderland BID it has gone from strength to strength, with more than 150 outlets accepting it.
And now those numbers have received a huge boost, with retailers across the Bridges accepting the card for the first time.
The shopping centre has always had its own gift card but Centre Director, Karen Eve, now believes the time was right to be part of the wider city offering.
“We are delighted to now be part of the Sunderland City Gift Card scheme which means anyone buying the cards will have more choice than ever on where to spend them,” said Karen.
“It makes total sense for us to now offer the cards, particularly as we’re heading towards the busiest time of year when people are more likely to buy them for Christmas gifts.
“It also helps give retailers a welcome boost in the new year, when most cards tend to be spent.”
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID said it was fantastic to have the Bridges on board.
“This helps really strengthen the reach of the gift card and gives even more reasons for people to spend in the local area and so support our local economy,” she said.
“Since the gift card was launched we have not only grown the number of places that will accept it but have made it easier for people to purchase them, either digitally or in person.
“We believe having the Bridges signed up will make them more popular than ever.”
The gift cards can be bought online at www.sunderlandgiftcard.com or as an E-card which can be sent to the recipient’s phone instantly and can then be added to either an Apple Pay or Google Play digital wallet.
They can also be purchased directly from the Bridges, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, National Glass Centre, Houghton Library and Washington Centre Library.