4 days ago
Story behind new machine in Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries
The kiosk, a result of a partnership between Buchanan Galleries and Glasgow City Council, allows people to purchase the city's gift card in person for the first time.
Located near the Sauchiehall Street entrance, the kiosk is available during regular hours at the Buchanan Galleries.
The initiative, part of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card scheme, is aimed at supporting local businesses.
Kathy Murdoch, Centre Director at Buchanan Galleries at the new Glasgow Gift Card kiosk (Image: Supplied) The Glasgow Gift Card is one of the UK's largest local gift cards, accepted by over 1,200 city businesses, including national brands and independent businesses.
Since its launch, the card has generated nearly £10 million for the city.
Kevin Meechan, chief executive officer of ARRAN Sense of Scotland, said: 'The Glasgow Gift Card scheme will impact us as a local business, allowing our brand to gain additional exposure to customers, particularly among customers who are looking to support independents, and it'll also help us increase foot traffic to our Buchanan Galleries store."
Kathy Murdoch, centre director at Buchanan Galleries, said: "We're thrilled to support our city in its 850th year with the introduction of the Glasgow Gift Card, making it easily available to guests at our dedicated kiosk in Buchanan Galleries."
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The Glasgow Gift Card has been a great success since its launch, bringing over £10 million into the local economy and supporting businesses and jobs in the city."
The technology for the Glasgow Gift Card is provided by Miconex, which operates more than 100 Scotland Loves Local and Town & City Gift Card programmes across the UK.
David O'Neil, chief commercial officer at Miconex, said: "The introduction of the self-service kiosk at Buchanan Galleries during the city's 850th birthday celebrations is a fitting tribute to one of the city's success stories – the Glasgow Gift Card."
The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative is backed by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP) as part of its wider Scotland Loves Local initiative.
Nicola Hutchinson, who leads on Scotland Loves Local at STP, said: 'The Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card is a tremendous success story, boosting the city's economy by delivering real benefits for people and businesses.
"Every gift card bought injects cash into Glasgow businesses."
