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The Executive’s Spend Local cards have been credited with helping boost shopping on Northern Ireland’s high streets close to-pre pandemic levels.

Latest data from the Northern Ireland Retail Association showed the number of shoppers in November was just 5.2% down on 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.

That makes Northern Ireland’s high streets the best performing in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ with shopping levels in England down 15.7%, in Wales down 16.7% and in Scotland down 19.8%.

The Department for the Economy said over £107 million has been spent by cardholders across Northern Ireland in the retail, hospitality and service sectors through the scheme which gives every adult in Northern Ireland £100 to spend in local shops through a pre-loaded card.

That leaves another £33 million to be spent on the £140 million scheme if the department is able to distribute all the funding by the final day of operation on 14 ^th December.

“The High Street Card scheme is truly proving its value with a phenomenal bounce back in footfall across Northern Ireland,” Aodhán Connolly, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Director, said. “This is hugely welcome news for retailers who have had the toughest two years on record.”

The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium is part of the British Retail Consortium which represents large retailers across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.

Economy minister Gordon Lyons said the scheme is providing an invaluable boost for retailers in Northern Ireland.

“The aim of the High Street Scheme has been to stimulate local businesses, including retail, hospitality and service sector outlets, which had been hit hardest during the pandemic so I am delighted to see this research published by the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium.

“I would once again urge anyone who has yet to activate or use their Spend Local card, to do it now. We want to see every penny possible from every £100 card spent. Spend it now, spend it all and spend it local.”