New Online Marketplace

New online marketplace provides lifeline for independent businesses in Ulverston

The award-winning app LoyalFree has been working alongside the Ulverston Business Improvement District (BID), Choose Ulverston to help support independent businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside launching new digital trails to help consumers identify local businesses that are still operating and providing local delivery services, the LoyalFree app has also fast tracked the launch of a Marketplace. Already promoting over 100 businesses in the town, this bolt on service will provide further support to local businesses.

The LoyalFree app was launched by Ulverston BID in 2018 to help high-street businesses increase sales and reward customers. App users can also enjoy local tours and interactive trails, enter exciting competitions and explore local events.

Ulverston BID say the app has attracted more than 2,000 users across the town, and there have been over 34,000 interactions with local businesses since the beginning of the project, with over 8000 redemptions of deals.

Now Ulverston businesses who are part of Ulverston BID, can not only continue to service their customers locally, they can also sell gift vouchers and experiences, providing much needed cash flow during these difficult times.

The LoyalFree Marketplace allows independent businesses to sell products online, without any charge or commission except a small payment processing fee. Businesses can choose to arrange delivery, e-mail digital vouchers or arrange for items to be collected, either directly from their store or another pre-agreed location.

This provides offline businesses with a lifeline during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Businesses can utilise the platform to increase critical cash flow without incurring the expense of creating their own e-commerce site or paying commission through existing ones.

Justin Wales, (BID) Project Officer said “The Marketplace is a fantastic new initiative to enable businesses to display their products to a wider digital audience not only through the current Covid-19 situation but going forward as restrictions are relaxed.

The Marketplace will encourage people to view at their leisure the offerings that the unique businesses of Ulverston are providing. It also gives consumers the flexibility to have their products delivered or choose to collect them from a store.”

The ‘recovery’ stage of the COVID-19 lockdown is a crucial point for many businesses. Ensuring both survival and longevity is key. We hope that the Marketplace will allow businesses to not only continue to operate but also aid recovery once the lockdown measures are lifted.

Sophie Hainsworth, Co-founder of LoyalFree said “It is more important than ever to adapt our services to the needs of businesses around the UK. With a high proportion of independents, Ulverston provides a perfect town to make use of an online marketplace. It’s great to see businesses such as Pure and Squirrel already listing many products on the site.”

Click here to explore the marketplace offerings in Ulverston: https://bit.ly/2yAZTWs

Working alongside 21 BIDs, LoyalFree is now rolling out the marketplace to other towns and cities Along with great deals and outdoor trails, the new marketplace will play a key role in the recovery strategy of the high street.

If you want to know more about how the app can support your town or city please visit https://www.loyalfree.co.uk/bid-find-out-more.

05/30/20 03:25:pm

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