Traders signing up to new independent loyalty card (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Traders signing up to new independent loyalty card

6:08pm Friday 2nd July 2010 in News By Warwick Payne

MORE traders in the Winchester area are signing up to a loyalty card that aims to promote independent shops.

When Henry Cartwright launched the scheme a few weeks ago, 15 firms agreed to take part.

Most offer a 10 per cent discount on products ranging from dry cleaning to designer gifts and fresh food to coffee.

The Gift Horse Card, as it is known, costs £10 for 12 months, and several other firms have now decided to get involved.

They include Winchester News in St George’s Street, which along with newspapers now specialises in Italian food and drink.

The newsagent and deli is run by Tom Romita, who is also the co-partner of the Abbots Mitre pub at Chilbolton near Stockbridge.

The venue has a restaurant serving Italian food, and Mr Romita has decided to sign the pub up as well.

Also joining the scheme is the Sweet Treat Company in City Road, Winchester, along with the El Sabio tapas restaurant in Eastgate Street.

The Falling Plates Café at Peninsula Barracks completes the venues joining the scheme as of Thursday, July 1.

Mr Cartwright added that he hoped to offer other discounts, such as spa treatments and photography sessions, to cardholders in the future.

For more details about the scheme, which is based at Staple Gardens in Winchester, visit www.gifthorsecard.co.uk.