Newport Now launches digital version of city centre gift card

Supporting businesses in Newport city centre is easier than ever from today as a new digital version of the Newport Now gift card goes live.

The gift card scheme was launched by the Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID), a company funded and governed by the businesses in the city centre, in late 2017.

Since then, despite a two-year suspension of the scheme during Covid, more than 1,500 cards have been sold – pumping in excess of £40,000 into the local economy, as the cards can only be spent with participating businesses in the city centre.

Until today, the Newport Now gift cards have only been available to buy as physical cards that are swiped through payment machines.

The BID says the new digital version of the card going live today will enhance the accessibility and convenience of the initiative, driving Newport Now’s ‘shop local’ focus.

The new digital version of the Newport Now gift card can be sent to the recipient instantly by email or text, and can be added to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay using the free Love Local app.

With the gift card in their digital wallet, recipients can ‘tap to pay’ with local businesses.

Organisations can also send digital versions of the Newport Now gift card to staff, customers and clients online.

The physical version of the Newport Now gift card remains available to buy.

The Newport Now gift card can be spent with more than 40 businesses in Newport city centre, including high street chain stores and independent businesses, giving people an easy way to support local and keep the Newport pound in Newport.

Newport Now BID manager, Kevin Ward, said: “This new digital offer is a great addition to our popular gift card scheme.

“We know some businesses, particularly smaller ones, prefer contactless payments and today’s launch means this will suit their needs and we think more local shops, bars, cafes and restaurants will sign up to accept the card as a result.

“Buying and sending a digital Newport Now gift card couldn’t be simpler and we hope to see more people backing city centre traders, the majority of whom are small independents.”

Newport Now BID has worked with tech specialists Miconex to deliver the gift card scheme since 2017.

Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, said: “Digital gift cards overtook physical gift cards in popularity for the first time in 2024. People want the ability to instantly send a gift card to friends, family and staff members that they can add to digital wallets – and that’s what they can do with the new digital Newport Now gift card.

“The digital version of the card means supporting local in Newport is easier than ever, particularly as a way for organisations to easily reward their staff, and provide a tangible boost to the Newport economy at the same time.”

City centre businesses can register to accept the gift card by clicking here.

Both the digital and physical versions of the Newport Now gift card can be bought by clicking here.