The team behind a shop local app have adapted the tech to support local businesses during the current economic lockdown.
LoyalFree is an app designed to boost footfall at member businesses while enabling those businesses to reward regular customers with bonuses such as discounts, freebies or exclusive special offers.
Launched by Jason Nesbitt and Sophie Hainsworth, it also allows users to collect loyalty stamps on their phone for products ranging from ales to vapes, cards, candles, sausages and even tarot readings.
Jason and Sophie, from Leicestershire, hope the technology can be used to support even more local businesses during the coronavirus disruption.
The app, which is currently available in 15 towns and cities, has launched a new way to encourage people to shop local while staying safe at the same time.
A series of new “home delivery” trails have been set up detailing which local businesses can offer their services through online or safe delivery options during the current period of social distancing.
Working with local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), the LoyalFree app has seen four locations launch the service – Loughborough, Oxted, Bristol and Leicester.
There are plans for other areas such as North Nottinghamshire and Oswestry to follow suit.
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Love Loughborough BID became the first to create such a trail to support the town during the crisis.
Lisa Brown, Love Loughborough BID Manager, said: “With the unfortunate cancellation of collective gatherings it has been vital to find new ways for us to support the businesses in our town.
“The quick turnaround from the LoyalFree app means we can offer an immediate action plan to help support the economy.”
LoyalFree is also making it easier for businesses to promote online offers over the coming weeks.
Sophie Hainsworth said: “At LoyalFree we want to focus on keeping people safe by finding new ways our technology platform can continue to support the high street at the same time.
“We are also pooling the skills of our team to offer free services to our clients and looking for new ways to use technology for good.”
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LoyalFree is also making it easier for businesses to promote online offers over the coming weeks.
Sophie Hainsworth said: “At LoyalFree we want to focus on keeping people safe by finding new ways our technology platform can continue to support the high street at the same time.
“We are also pooling the skills of our team to offer free services to our clients and looking for new ways to use technology for good.”