Early indicators suggest that that the Spend Local scheme has been an economic success with over £10 million being generated for the local economy.
The scheme, which closed at midnight on Saturday, saw a last-minute spike in usage as Islanders young and old rushed to use their cards before the balance expired.
With Saturday typically being a busy shopping day, the team opened the phone lines on the final day to provide additional support to those shoppers and businesses who may have needed it.
Although the numbers are still being finalised, initial findings suggest that just over 2,000 businesses have benefited from the Spend Local scheme with over 103,000 cards activated and used at least once.
Chief Minister John Le Fondre said: “I am delighted that Islanders have really got behind the scheme and helped to distribute the money across such a large number of businesses. This method of stimulating the economy adds another string to our bow and puts Jersey on the international stage as other jurisdictions look to us to see how we delivered this world-first scheme. Islanders choosing to shop at their favourite local businesses have provided a much-needed boost to our economy while at the same time increasing consumer confidence overall.”
“We will of course be going over the final data very carefully to see the full extent and effect of the entire scheme and publishing more information later this month. And once again I would like to encourage Islanders to continue the spirit of the scheme, spending locally with their favourite businesses and playing their part to help support and stimulate our local economy – doing their bit to Spend Local.”
Islanders are reminded to keep their cards, in case they are topped up in the future.
Government of Jersey News Release.