New app promotes local shops

In Ilkley, a social revolution is underway with businesses adopting digital loyalty points to compete against online and town competition. Social media has significantly boosted local business sales, with a quarter of sales attributed to it. The Flock loyalty scheme allows customers to earn and spend points across participating retailers, similar to supermarket loyalty cards. This initiative is expanding to other towns, aiming to prevent them from becoming ghost towns. The focus is on engaging consumers and promoting the benefits of shopping locally, with other towns observing Ilkley's success.

What innovative approach are Ilkley's independent businesses using to compete with larger competitors?

• Using digital loyalty points and social media

• Partnering with international brands

• Offering discounts on all products

• Expanding their physical store locations

How does the loyalty scheme in Ilkley work?

• Points can only be used in the store where they were earned

• Points are collected through a scanner code and can be used at any participating retailer

• Customers earn points by referring friends

• Customers receive cash back for every purchase

What is the potential benefit of the loyalty scheme for nearby towns?

• It will eliminate the need for traditional advertising

• It will reduce the need for online shopping

• It will increase the number of international tourists

• It could help attract younger people to local cafes and bars

What does business organizer Tina Bowden emphasize about the loyalty scheme?

• The need for more government reports

• The necessity of reducing prices

• The role of international partnerships

• The importance of consumer engagement

What is the broader implication of Ilkley's loyalty scheme success?

• It is only effective in the retail sector

• It has the potential to be replicated in other towns to save their high streets

• It requires significant government funding to succeed

• It can only work in small towns